Story By Athlete - Neva Jansen
Many young athletes think about drug testing only when officials select them for a major competition. As athletes progress and compete at higher levels, testing becomes part of the sport. Understanding how drug testing works, your rights, and what to expect can help remove fear and confusion from the process.
I learned about drug testing through the Youth Talent Programme, and before that session, I realised how little I actually knew. I could easily have been selected for testing at events like English Schools without fully understanding what was happening. That is why it is important to share this information.
Understanding Drug Testing and Why It Happens
Drug testing exists to protect athletes and ensure fair competition. As mentioned in a previous article, banned substances can give athletes an unfair advantage and can seriously harm their health. Drug testing helps reduce cheating and ensures results reflect hard work rather than shortcuts.
For young athletes with ambitions to compete nationally or internationally, testing becomes more common. Knowing why drug testing happens helps athletes see it as part of high-level sport rather than something to fear.
What Happens During Drug Testing
When selected for drug testing, a Doping Control Officer will approach you and inform you of your selection. You have the right to check their identification, and you do not need to complete testing immediately. For example, if you are waiting for a medal ceremony, you may request a short delay as long as you stay within sight of the officer.
A Doping Control Officer will take you to a doping control room, where you declare any medication or supplements you take and complete the required forms. You will choose a sealed sample vessel and provide a urine sample in privacy, while an officer of the same gender observes.
After this, you select sealed A and B bottles. You pour 30ml into bottle B first, then the remainder into bottle A. The officer checks the sample concentration. Once the sample meets the requirements, officials complete the drug testing process and send the samples for analysis.
Your Rights During Testing
Understanding your rights during testing is vital. You are allowed a representative with you; you can ask questions and raise concerns before signing the paperwork. If something does not feel right, you have the right to speak up.
Learning about drug testing helped me feel more confident and prepared. Instead of feeling nervous, I now understand the process and know how to protect myself as an athlete.
Final Thoughts
Drug testing is part of elite sport and something young athletes should be educated on early. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed, allowing you to focus on performing. By understanding testing, you protect yourself, your health, and the integrity of your sport.
