Our Head of Anti-Doping Michael Holden, along with Katherine Cooke who is one of our Accredited Educators
The Forum brought together athletes, policy-makers and anti-doping researchers to discuss a range of issues within anti-doping, particularly around supporting athletes and promoting a clean sport environment. The event produced fascinating conversations on the latest trends and considerations in anti-doping.
Clean Sport Alliance Co-Founder, Professor Sue Backhouse, said: “We’ve brought together colleagues from 26 different countries, and what we are trying to do is bridge the gap between research, policy and practice. The only way we’ll do that is through partnerships and idea sharing; today’s Forum presented a great opportu
nity to put those ideas into action moving forward.”
Doping is not done in isolation
As part of an athlete panel, UKAD Athlete Commission member, long-distance runner and academic Andrew Heyes shared his insight on the social and cultural environment in which doping may take place. He stated that ‘doping is not done in isolation’.
In the same panel, Slovenian swimmer Sara Isaković spoke of the ‘grey zone’ within anti-doping – in her opinion this is an area where abiding and/or breaking the rules is not as black and white as first thought. Commenting on the use of supplements, Sara added that she was reliant on the support around her, such as her coach, to ensure what she was taking wasn’t prohibited in her sport.
Michael said ‘Its great for the BJJAGB to be involved at such a high level in our support of UKAD and Clean Sport, keeping us in the loop and at the forefront of ensuring our athletes and their support personnel receive the best anti-doping education and up to date information enabling them to compete clean
