Times are changing for responsibility in age group ranks
regarding illegal doping due to the new “pro-amateur” status many athletes are
taking on. The level of commitment and competition within amateur ranks has
unfortunately led to an increase in the use of banned substances to gain
advantage. 2015 was the year that both Triathlon Australia and Ironman Asia Pacific released media statements outlining the testing program that would occur
in age group athletes at competitions.
Ironman Asia Pacific added the following to the athlete information guide for the Sunsmart Mandurah 70.3 and pulled the trigger on tests to random and podium finishers at the event afterwards “No athlete can use a Performance Enhancing drug or procedure. Athletes may be requested to undergo drug testing before and after the event. If you are requested to do so, you hereby agree to abide by such testing procedures.”
The bottom line is now all Age Group athletes must take
responsibility for themselves in ensuring no banned substance is taken (either
on purpose or by mistake) or risk being banned from competition.
With this in mind, YourIronGuide completed the ASADA Level 2
Anti-Doping Course with 2016 upgrade and here are the findings you should be
aware of:
A cool new phone App developed by WADA is available to search for all banned
substances (2 new added for 2016) as a quick reference if you are unsure about
any chemical listed on a supplement or medication. We highly recommend you grab
it and it can be found here
Any athlete
associated with support personnel who themselves have been previously suspended
can also now incur a rule violation through association. The prohibited
association list is interesting and contains names such as Michele Ferrari
(know better as Lance Armstrong’s best friend during his winning years). This
is worth a view to see if anyone locally should not be associated with and can
be found on the WADA website here
A common myth amongst Triathletes is that supplement intake
is a safe “clean” method of increasing nutrients. Human and Supplement Testing
Australia (HASTA) recently released findings of 63 common supplements purchased both online and at physical sites around Australia. Of these, 10 were found to
contain WADA banned substances and 6 were found to contain 2 or more banned
substances. The products tested included powders, capsules, tablets, gels and
bars. This opens up a real threat to all athletes that they could be ingesting
a banned substance without even knowing it!
The good news is that many suppliers have asked for independent
testing of their products by a company called Informed-sport.com. Their website
shows a list of companies and products that have been tested to confirm they do
NOT contain any banned substances and are recommended for safe use (or at least
a much better alternative to an independently untested product). Their website and
list of registered products can be found here
YourIronGuide applauds the steps being taken to ensure a
level playing field for all athletes, amateur or professional.
