21 July 2009 - The 2009 World Youth Championships were a great learning experience for the young athletes in Bressanone.  For most it was their first taste of international competition, it was also a time when friendships were formed, and a chance to compete against other athletes in the spirit of fun and sportsmanship.  For the majority it was also be their first introduction to the world of doping control.  Recognising that these athletes are the future of the sport, the IAAF was on hand at the competition with an educational programme on the anti-doping programme to encourage a life time of fair play and honesty.

The Outreach Programme, which follows the model provided by WADA, aims to raise athlete awareness of anti-doping issues through an interactive computer quiz which is available in  20 different languages.  Athletes who play and complete the quiz have the opportunity to win some great prizes provided by Adidas and then sign a pledge of their continued commitment to compete drug free and honestly.  The pledge was hanging as a large and impressive banner in the warm-up track and serves as a great visual reminder of the commitment of these young up-and-coming athletes.  Other education material complete from videos on the anti-doping process through to books on nutrition were also freely available to the athlete and their coaches.

On hand to assist the youth athletes with the quiz were none other than long jump World record holder Mike Powell (USA) and women’s indoor high jump world record holder Kasja Bergqvist (SWE).  In their roles as IAAF Ambassadors, Mike and Kasja were present at the Outreach programme and always willing to provide advice to the young athletes, and encouraging them to complete the anti-doping quiz.  Their presence and achievements in the sport provide the perfect example to these youth – there is no need at all for doping, and through hard work and good training you can become a World and Olympic Champion.

Prior to the competition the athletes attending the Masterclass clinic also had a chance to learn a little about the anti-doping process.  6 IAAF legends were on hand at the Massterclass (read more here) and they helped answer questions on the anti-doping process and what the young athletes could expect to face if they were asked to complete an anti-doping test during the championships.  All these former champions spoke from their heart when saying that you could achieve great things without doping.

In addition to the Outreach programme and Masterclass clinic there were a small number of doping controls taken during the competition itself.  As much as anything, this doping control is intended as an educational experience for these athletes – a time to learn and experience the procedures and regulations before moving onto a senior career where doping control is more common place.

Judging by the attendance and enthusiasm of these athletes at the Outreach Programme and their performances on the track, the future of the sport is in good hands.

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