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Clean sport

The new Clean Sport campaign focuses on empowering athletes to make informed, confident and values based decisions throughout their sporting careers.

Melissa Wu, Australian Olympic Diver: That seems a necessary part of sport that everybody goes through, but we're all doing it so that we can perform in an environment that's professional and has everybody on a level playing field. As athletes, we accept that that's part of the process.

Cruz Hogan, Australian World Representative Javelin Thrower: I'm very much in the opinion that we need it and we need it across the world and it needs to be fairly standardised as well.

Tayla Harris, AFLW player and professional boxer: The importance of anti doping testing is paramount to a safe sport and a clean sport and it's something I'm really passionate about.

Jodie Purves, Australian international representative cricket player: It's always something I've tried to promote not only within the cricket environment, even with say my nephews and nieces or people that are involved in sport that I know. It's why we play it. It just makes it more fun and safe for everyone.

Sarah Cook, CEO Australian Rowing and Former Olympic Rower: I remember I was told that it's actually something that you should be honoured to have the opportunity to do because what it signals is that you've reached a level in your career that actually being tested is something that's now part of what you're doing. So, it signals that you are making that step up in terms of being an elite athlete and an international athlete.

Alison Bai, former professional Australian tennis player: I was quite scared, quite nervous prior and going into it. The two Doping Control Officers and the chaperone were quite lovely and obviously I understood that I was a young person and my dad came along to obviously help supervise making sure I was OK and I knew what the process was.

Sam Fricker, Olympic Diver: The hard part can be if you're not ready to give a sample. I know I got tested at Australian Champs and because I was competing I didn't drink too much water during the day. Of course you need fluids to give a sample, so I had to go get a coffee with my mum and they were just standing behind me very politely waiting. I felt kind of bad but you know, if you're not ready to give a sample, you gotta wait because if you give a half sample too, they can't accept it.

Campbell Harrison, Olympic Climber: My advice to athletes up and coming would be ask lots of questions, especially if you have people around you who are really familiar with the process. I think that was important to me and something that I see is very important, being able to pass on that knowledge and experience to others.

Mack Horton, Australian Olympic Swimmer: I think for me, it is staying true to the values and beliefs and behaving in a way that Australians, the public, Australian athletes expect as well and upholding those those values on the world stage.

If you’re an elite athlete, your first time getting tested is kind of a milestone.

— Sam Fricker, Australian Olympic Diver

Anti-doping myths and facts

Anti doping testing is often misunderstood, with misconceptions that can put athletes at risk at any level.

By challenging these myths, athletes and support personnel can better understand their responsibilities, make informed decisions, and reduce the likelihood of unintentional doping.

Below we debunk some common myths for athletes. 

Click or tap a myth, to get the fact:
 

Anti‑doping is only for elite or professional athletes
Fact: Anti‑doping rules apply at ALL levels of sport. This includes junior, community, recreational and masters competitions. Testing can occur at any level. Sanctions still apply even if you are not a professional athlete.
I didn't mean to cheat, I won't get banned
Fact: Anti‑doping operates under strict liability. This means you are responsible for everything that enters your body, regardless of intent. Accidental use or lack of knowledge does not eliminate sanctions.
Anti‑doping rules are only to catch cheats
Fact: Anti‑doping is about more than punishment. It exists to protect athlete health, ensure fair competition, and maintain trust in sport at every level.
Supplements (like pre-workout) will make me stronger, faster or better
Fact: No supplement can replace the basics. For young athletes, performance improves when you get fundamentals right first.
Sups are safe, as they’re legal and sold in stores
Fact: Sups are one of the biggest causes of inadvertent doping. Some contain banned substances that are not listed on the label, due to contamination or poor manufacturing controls.
Over‑the‑counter medicines won't cause a positive test
Fact: Some cold, flu, asthma and pain medications, contain prohibited substances or ingredients. Always check medications before use and seek medical advice if unsure.
My coach or doctor gave it to me, so I’m not responsible
Even if a coach, trainer, teammate, or medical professional provides the substance, the athlete remains responsible. Blaming support personnel does not remove liability.
I’ll only get tested at competitions
Fact: Athletes can be tested anytime, anywhere, including out of competition, at home, at training, or while traveling, sometimes with little or no notice.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions are loopholes for cheating
Fact: TUEs exist to allow athletes with legitimate medical conditions to compete fairly. They require strict medical evidence and approval and are closely reviewed by independent experts.

Information for athletes

Anti Doping Rule Violation process

Doping is a serious matter with lasting consequences. It can harm your health, ruin your reputation and impact your future both in and out of sport.

Be prepared

Learn about clean sport online, from any location.
Find a range of eLearning courses to give you greater knowledge and confidence.

Cheating has no place in sport

Clean sport is everyone’s responsibility. By reporting doping activities, you help safeguard the future of Australian sport and support athletes who compete honestly.

Competition manipulation

Changing a sports result on purpose to gain an advantage, often called match-fixing is damaging to sport.

Your rights and responsibilities

Understand what will happen during and after a testing session.

Your clean sport pocket partner

Stay informed, play fair, and protect your game download the Sport Integrity App.


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