How university taught Philippa Emery about anti-doping

Philippa Emery learnt two important things at university in addition to her course – how to row and about anti-doping.  

The 22-year-old from Letchworth Garden City first took up rowing when she started studying at Durham University and has since become an U23 world champion.  

During her biology studies, Emery also undertook research into how blood transfusions are used in doping.  

She is now using her position as an elite athlete to speak up on the importance of being clued up on keeping sport clean.  

“My first interaction with UKAD [UK Anti-Doping] was at a club level because I never competed at a high enough level as a junior athlete,” Emery said.  

“At a club level I was interacting with UKAD’s education sessions which have to be completed to race for British Rowing as a part of the national testing pool.   

“We have education sessions now, but they are a lot more focused around the World Championships and the levels of diligence you have to go through when racing at those events.”  

A sporty child, Emery found her true passion during a Learn To Row session at Durham University in 2020.  

She has since rocketed through the ranks and now has her sights set on competing internationally on the senior stage and representing Great Britain at the LA 2028 Olympics. 

For now, Emery is remaining vigilant for signs of doping, with her teammates at Leander Club holding each other accountable.  

This comes after UKAD reported record numbers of doping reports being made in 2024 across 30 sports via its Protect Your Sport reporting campaign.  

She added: 

“Within the team that I am situated in, everyone encourages those conversations, we are very open about it, we are very frank with each other.  

“It seems silly, but it is easy to slip up if you are not informed and you are not checking, so everyone encourages conversations about clean sport. 

“But also, because we are in such close proximity all of the time it is very easy to check on other people’s behaviours and attitudes, you get to know each other really well and you can tell if something is up.  

“It is encouraging that UKAD are getting more reports coming forward because everyone needs to band together to protect their sport.  

“It comes from the athletes and coaches to begin with, we are the ones on the ground training together every day, so if anyone is going to pick up on it, it is probably going to be us.” 

To counter potential concerns around identification when reporting, UKAD has recently launched an anonymous SMS and WhatsApp service. This allows someone to report their suspicions of doping and have a two way conversation with UKAD without them being able to see the reporters name or number.  

This is welcomed by Emery, who explained how crucial such methods are to keeping sport clean. 

“It is really important because it is a commitment about integrity and about fairness,” she said.  

“Athletes should be able to compete knowing they are on a level playing field and you should be able to compete knowing that your successes are your successes.  

“Knowing that your hard work got you your achievements and you are not being cheated to silver when it could have been a gold for example.” 

You can report doping suspicions to UKAD by WhatsApp and SMS (07822 023233), email (pys@reportdoping.com), online (search: Protect Your Sport), or by phone (0800 032 2332).     

To find out more and to report your suspicions of doping, search Protect Your Sport.