A call to arms against doping in athletics

Weeks after we attended the 49th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the 14th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, we still find it timely and relevant to share the various advocacies of world-renowned athletes and initiatives they undertake to promote their causes.

One such athlete whom we had the pleasure of listening to in one of the break-out sessions and engaging in a brief conversation is Briton Paul Radcliffe, 39-year old member of the IAAF Athletes’ Commission and current women’s world record holder in the marathon with her time of 2:15:25 hours. In addition, Radcliffe, who has been competing internationally since 1991 at 18, is a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

An asthma sufferer, Radcliffe is a well-known campaigner against the use of drugs in athletics. Since the 1999 European Cup, Radcliffe has been wearing a Red Ribbon which she says “signifies support of, and willingness to undergo blood profiling and anti-doping (procedures) and a call (to) support athletes in their quest to compete on a fair and level playing field.”

In her talk before a jampacked meeting room in Crowne Plaza, Radcliffe stated that athletics has brought so much to her as a person and to see its credibility damaged, “hurts me.” A former world champion in the marathon, half marathon and cross-country, Radcliffe emphasizes that “running is about who works hardest and then runs fastest. It is about getting the finish first fairly. Every athlete must therefore start from the same point, something that is not possible when some are doping.”

It’s not surprising therefore that Radcliffe has the harshest words for Marion Jones who was convicted of illegal doping practices in 2007. Racliffe expressed satisfaction at Jones being found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs and even suggested that the American’s medals should be taken away.

In her well-received talk in Moscow, Radcliffe emphasized that athletes have the right to fair competition and the right to prove his or her innocence. But to prove an athlete’s innocence, Radcliffe is batting for more accurate testing and greater use of blood profiling tests.

As Radcliffe points out, doping triggers a whole series of consequences that puts the credibility, marketability and ultimately, the very future of athletics at risk. She says that the public (has) the right to believe in, be inspired by and admire the performances of athletes, who, in turn, have the right to compete on a fair and level playing field.

It is clear that doping poses health risks but more than that, Radcliffe asserts that young, vulnerable athletes are being pushed in the wrong direction. All these she says are against the rule of sports and threaten to weaken and destroy the very same sport from which millions benefit. Like all crusaders, Radcliffe issues a call to action.

Radcliffe advocates the increased efficacy and scope of drug testing. She adds that the risk to cheaters must (far) outweigh the benefits of getting away with it. She recommends four-year sanctions, life bans, fines, forfeiture of prize monies, penalties on entourage (coaches, trainers, medical personnel, etc). She goes even beyond the athletes and proposes that sanctions be levied on countries where it is clear doping is institutionalized.

Additional measures that Radcliffe calls for include continue investing in increasing the efficiency and scope of anti-doping measures such as working more closely with law and order agencies, customs and federal bodies and drug companies. She also is for setting up more accredited labs to ensure all athletes (without exception) are tested regularly and fairly, in and out of competition.

On the non-technical side, Radcliffe suggests that authorities focus on moral issues of competing fairly and cleanly. These should start, she says, by inculcating these fundamental principles at the grassroots and junior level. It must be impressed upon athletes that “they are stronger when their morals are strong.” For good measure, Radcliffe advocates the creation of mentor schemes and workshops around junior and youth championships to further educate and push the moral platform and ethics issues. Key to this package of value formation is the use of positive role models to show the young athletes that there are indeed successful athletes who walk their talk and do not use drugs to win.

Turning to her own organization, the IAAF, Radcliffe asks, what does the IAAF anti-doping and ethics framework mean for sport governance at the grassroots, local and national levels? Radcliffe says that the IAAF (which is part of the Olympic movement) needs greater control to release positive tests where member federations delay and drag their feet. She says there needs to be uniformity and global fairness in doping control.

Certainly, the points raised by Radcliffe (a number of which have been articulated by others with equal passion), need to be considered if we are to put order in sport, particularly athletics, the centerpiece of all Olympic Games and Olympic-type competitions.