Andrew Heyes on why athletes should join UKAD’s Athlete Commission

With applications now open for new members to join UKAD’s Athlete Commission. Andrew Heyes, who is an athlete and academic researcher, shares his insights and experiences of being on the Commission… 

“After eight years, my term on the UKAD Athlete Commission is due to come to an end in 2025. During this time, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to play a role as a member of an active and vibrant group of athletes, united in seeking to promote clean sport through their representation of others. 

“It has been a fascinating period for anti-doping. From the McClaren report and our Athlete Commission’s open letter on the WADA road map to advising on athlete experiences of testing during the COVID pandemic, the Commission has been involved in a plethora of aspects of the anti-doping world. What has felt tangible is the evolving nature of the athlete voice and the power that entails on the global scale. I do feel we, the athletes, are in a stronger position with organisations taking stock of the athlete experience, both positive and negative. The reformed Athlete Council at WADA is testament to that, and closer to home, UKAD recently launched their Strategic Refresh with athletes placed at the centre.

“From a personal perspective I’ve had the opportunity to sit on athlete discussion panels representing the Commission and I’ve been able to attend and experience the WADA Annual Symposium, creating links with other Commissions across the world. Most importantly I’ve been able to meet brilliant people from across the sporting landscape. That chance to learn from other’s experiences and expertise has been invaluable. I cannot thank Sarah Winkless (former UKAD Athlete Commission Chair) and Harriet Purcell (Head of Global Engagement at UKAD) enough for their guidance and advice and all the other members of the Commission, with far too many names to mention. It has genuinely been a joy, in the otherwise challenging landscape of anti-doping, to collaborate with others from different sports and different backgrounds but all with a drive for clean sport.

“As to the future, for the UKAD Strategic Refresh and athlete centred approach to have impact, it needs to be more than just words. Athletes, and athlete support, are the ones at the heart of sport, we’re the ones experiencing the challenges to integrity, on the ground seeing the realities of what occurs. As such, an Athletes Commission works best when it isn’t just a mouthpiece for the organisation but is situated in a culture in which it can be constructive challenge to authority. To ask difficult questions, provoke reflection – and is encouraged to do so through open and honest conversations. With the recruitment of a new cohort and lead by the new Chair Ama Agbeze, there is an opportunity for fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm, and different voices to be that check on the organisations that govern our sport.

“If you’re thinking of applying, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.”

To find out more and to apply for UKAD’s Athlete Commission, visit UKAD’s website.