Kampar, Malaysia, July 16, 2024: Two athletes and two coaches at the Olympic Council of Asia’s triathlon youth camp celebrated their birthdays on Tuesday, July 16 - with the icing on the cake being provided with a presentation on anti-doping practices and guidelines.
For the past week, the 48 athletes have been learning the finer points on how to swim, cycle and run. The crowning achievement was provided by Venera Abdulla, member of the OCA Anti-Doping Commission, who gave an online lecture on what to expect if, in the future, they finished on the podium.
“How many of you have gone before doping control?” asked Abdulla. The answer was none as all these young athletes are still on the cusp of competing in major international events.
“Don’t be afraid for you will be a privileged lot as testing is usually done on athletes who finish in the top three,” continued Abdulla on Zoom, as she took the boys and girls through the protocols of doping control at major sporting events.
Abdulla, who is also Director, Regional Anti-Doping Organisation of Central Asia, began her presentation by highlighting the World Anti-Doping Code which she said mainly focused on the health of athletes and their rights.
“This is the fundamental rationale of this code. Our purpose is to protect the rights of clean athletes,” Abdulla pointed out.
Other topics which she briefly touched on included prohibited substances; therapeutic use exemptions or TUEs where athletes can use prohibited substances under medical supervision; the risks of taking medication and supplements; and the health consequences of doping.
“It is very important for young athletes like you to be careful when you use medication or supplements. Always check if the medication has prohibited substances and always inform your doctor you are an athlete who is subject to doping control,” Abdulla stressed.
