Largest anti-doping programme ever

UK Sport has today announced details of its most comprehensive pre-Games drug testing and education programme. Over 1,500 tests will be carried out on British athletes competing in Beijing at this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the aim of testing every single athlete selected for Team GB at least once in the run-up to the Games.

The programme is being run in partnership with the British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA). John Scott, Director of Drug-Free Sport at UK Sport, says this highlights a shared commitment to sending drug-free teams to the Games:

“We have a duty to ensure we do all we can to show the world that the British teams competing in Beijing are drug-free. In particular, we want the British public to have confidence that the performances they are watching are from athletes who have achieved success through four years hard work, determination and dedication, and not through cheating.”

The majority of tests will be attempted through no-advance notice, out-of-competition tests, either at squad training sessions or through whereabouts information provided by athletes, with additional tests targeted at key in-competition Beijing selection events. Both urine and blood testing will be used.

“Tests will be planned using our intelligence-based testing approach which focuses the allocation of tests around where they have a maximum impact in terms of detection and deterrence,” said Scott. “Whilst the overall aim is to test everyone at least once, obviously those in more high-risk sports or disciplines can and will be tested more often. Essentially there is no limit to the number of times we might test any individual athlete.”

Simon Clegg, British Olympic Association Chief Executive, said:

“We are pleased to once again be working in close co-operation with UK Sport on a very comprehensive pre-Olympic Games drugs testing programme, which will ensure that athletes across the entire team will be tested regularly in the lead up the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Clean athletes are the most powerful force against doping in sport.”

ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane said: “ParalympicsGB is committed to demonstrating that our athletes are competing and winning fairly and cleanly, and therefore have supported this testing and education programme as it assists us to confidently send the best prepared team to the Paralympic Games in Beijing.

“Britain is seen as a leading nation when it comes to anti-doping education and therefore we welcome this innovative and comprehensive programme, which will help give us the edge over our rivals during the Games.”

The pre-Games testing in the UK is being backed by a thorough education and information programme designed to ensure British athletes have all the information they need to compete drug-free. Through UK Sport’s 100% ME programme, the aim is for every member of the British team to receive information through a face-to-face workshop, backed up by a variety of support material. In addition, a dedicated education website is being set up for athletes going to Beijing, and a support phone line will be available during Games time.

Scott continued: “On the global anti-doping scene we have one of the best education and information programmes. Our aim is to ensure that British athletes are well- equipped to not make any silly mistakes, and we are seeking to embed a no-compromise approach to doping at the heart of the team culture. Athletes and support staff need to be fully aware of their responsibilities with regards to anti-doping, and the scale of our pre-Games programme will ensure there really are no excuses if they do fall foul of the rules.”

The comprehensive nature of the pre-Games testing and education programme has been backed by Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe, who said:

“UK Sport has led the way in educating athletes on anti-doping with its excellent 100% ME programme. It is vital that UK Sport is undertaking an exhaustive testing programme in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. Drug cheats have absolutely no place in sport and we have to ensure that our athletes who are positive role models to millions of young people are clean.”