An anti-doping personnel, who has requested to remain anonymous, tells Sidelines what it’s like to travel the world and meet top athletes – all in the name of the Olympics’ integrity.
What was your job in anti-doping at the Olympics?
I was an anti-doping personnel. I worked both as a doping control officer and a station manager. The station manager is in charge of the doping control station at a given venue. That could be a single sport or multiple ones if they’re hosted at the same site.
Wow! Where did you work during your time at the Olympics?
I worked at London 2012 and Rio 2016. In London, I was based at aquatics the whole time, doing both swimming and diving. In Rio, I managed the station for whitewater rafting and then BMX, as they were both in the same venue.
So, what is the structure of the anti-doping team?
At the base level, you have chaperones. They’re the ones who notify the athlete they’ve been selected for testing, and take them to the doping control station. The doping control officer handles the sample collection. It’s usually a urine sample or sometimes blood. Then you have the station manager, like me, who oversees the full process and team.
Can you explain the athlete testing process?
As soon as an athlete is notified, it’s always a no-notice notification, they’re escorted by a chaperone to do the sample. They can do certain things first, like press or medal ceremonies, but no mingling.
Are there any myths about the job?
Well, you physically have to watch the athlete pass the sample. People say, ‘You what?’ You physically have to, because obviously, it’s all about protecting yourself, and protecting the athletes. So, you have to watch every step of the way. People think it’s a bit weird, but it’s not.
It is also frustrating sometimes with how confidential it is. You’re right next to some of the most famous athletes in the world, but you can’t take selfies or tell anyone about it, like the other jobs. But it is really cool, you’re not their friend, you’re part of a regulatory process. It’s a very privileged position, but extremely discreet.
How did you get into anti-doping work?
I started as a volunteer chaperone at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. It all went from there. From that first volunteering role, I gradually moved up!
Do you need special qualifications or training?
Definitely training, and it’s very specific to each role. Chaperones are trained on how to approach and speak to athletes, how to escort them properly, and how to complete paperwork accurately. You get re-accredited every two years and must pass a DBS check. That’s especially important because athletes can be young teenagers, or vulnerable adults.
Have there been any highlights having worked at the Olympics?
I have loved the opportunity to travel and the places I’ve been. I never would have gone to Brazil otherwise. I would’ve gone to Tokyo if COVID hadn’t happened. This job can take you anywhere. I also worked at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Birmingham.
And the hardest part?
The waiting. You wait, and wait, and wait. You can’t rush an athlete who isn’t ready to give a sample, so you could be there for hours. Some people found that really frustrating, but I didn’t mind it much.
Finally, do you have advice for someone curious about this field?
Volunteer! People often dismiss it, but that first step opened up the world for me. UK Anti-Doping does recruit from time to time, and people from all walks of life, especially say teachers, ex-police officers, do well in this role. Definitely volunteer where you can, you never know where it will take you!
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