UKAD Response to Doping Research produced by the University of Tuebingen and Harvard Medical School

Nicole Sapstead, Chief Executive of UK Anti-Doping, said:

“These are disappointing and concerning statistics but it is worth viewing them in context. Significant improvements have taken place since 2011 when this data was collected. Testing methods continue to advance but testing is only one part of the anti-doping process. There is now greater investment in educating elite and up and coming athletes about the dangers and consequences of taking banned substances, as well as a greater emphasis on intelligence and investigations as an alternative way of catching those who seek to break the rules. 

“It is also worth noting that since these surveys were taken in 2011, those who are caught now face stiffer sanctions following the change to the World Anti-Doping Code in 2015. 

“UK Anti-Doping provides a robust anti-doping programme for British athletes and we work overseas to create a level playing field for our athletes. In order to catch the cheats and restore the public’s confidence in sport it is important that sports adequately fund the fight against doping.”

The full research can be found online.