Ironman is using the worldwide spotlight at its world championship event in Kailua-Kona to promote anti-doping and raise awareness for clean sports through activities and testing.
Tuesday was designated “I am True” day. The Ironman organization believes that everyone involved in triathlon has a part to play in eradicating the use of drugs, not only for the athletes, but in the interest and longevity of the sport. I am True is Ironman’s outreach program that helps increase awareness and preserve the integrity of Ironman events around the world.
The World Anti-Doping Agency and Ironman teamed up for activities that targeted the nearly 2,000 professional and age group athletes and 30,000 fans at the 2014 Ironman World Championship. WADA and Ironman encourage all athletes to know and understand their rights and responsibilities with regard to anti-doping policy and procedure.
“Ironman continues to serve as a vocal leader and key collaborator in anti-doping efforts for our sport, and our world championship is the ideal global platform for highlighting positive work and setting new goals within the community,” said Andrew Messick, chief executive officer of Ironman. “We are committed to working together with various anti-doping agencies, including WADA, to further ensure the integrity of Ironman and the sport of triathlon.”
In addition, the outreach team shared its anti-doping message with the next generation of triathletes at the Ironkids Keiki Dip-n-Dash event. The young athletes received anti-doping information and educational materials designed to help them make the right decisions later in their triathlon careers.
“Awareness campaigns for both current and aspiring athletes are at the center of WADA’s strategy for clean sport,” said WADA President Sir Craig Reedie. “WADA is pleased to once again collaborate with Ironman to impart the anti-doping message amongst those that need to understand it most. I have every confidence that this initiative will once again prove to be successful in promoting the ideals of clean sport and fair play.”
Another important aspect of the Ironman Anti-Doping Program’s work in Kona is the execution of in- and out-of-competition testing, which includes the collection and analysis of blood and urine samples as part of the Ironman and WADA Code compliant anti-doping program. All athletes participating in the Ironman World Championship, and all other Ironman events throughout the year, are subject to testing under the Ironman Anti-Doping rules. Ironman also partners with national anti-doping programs around the world to coordinate testing on some of the sport’s top professional and age group athletes.