"Learn from my bitter experience"
Since 1991, the British athlete Mark Richardson has been one of the worlds leading 400m runners. But in October 1999 a positive sample of the metabolite nandrolone was found in his urine and he is currently serving a two year ban. He has accepted that the nandrolone came from contaminated food supplements. In this interview, Mark reflects on his experiences over the past 15 months and offers useful advice to other athletes
Please
could you explain your exact current position ?
Although I was cleared by UK Athletics in July 2000, my case was referred to
Arbitration by the IAAF Doping Commission. The Arbitration Panel was due to meet on the
eve of the Olympics in Sydney. But because we needed more time to receive scientific
evidence from Cologne regarding the possibility of contaminated supplements, I requested
an adjournment and withdrew voluntarily from the Olympics.
In December, we received confirmation from IOC accredited laboratory in Cologne that the supplements I took on the morning of my adverse finding had been contaminated, so I immediately withdrew from the Arbitration process. There was no point wasting anyones time trying to contest the rule of strict liability.
As a result, I was automatically given a two year ban. However, I still maintain that I was morally innocent and a victim of circumstances and I am still hopeful that I will be considered for reinstatement under the exceptional circumstances rule at a later date.
What
does Athletics mean to you ?
Athletics is my life. It has been an educator and broadened my mind. It is my
passion and I love it dearly. I never imagined having it taken away from me and being in
this situation.
How
did you first get interested in Athletics ?
I first came into the sport through school. I always used to win the sprint
races on Sports days and fell in love with the Sport almost immediately.
What
is your greatest achievement to date ?
There are two to date. Number one was beating Michael Johnson in the summer
of 1998 at the Oslo Grand Prix. Im one of the only two athletes to have beaten him
in the past decade. The second was gaining a silver medal in the 4x 400 metres relay in
the Atlanta Olympics.
What
motivates you as a sportsperson ?
My biggest motivation as an Athlete is pushing myself to the limit. I love
the daily challenges of training and the essences of competition. It gives me an
unbelievable buzz.
What
are your main sporting values ?
My sporting philosophy is simple one to be the best that you can be
but always abiding by the rules. As a top athlete I
consider it a duty to act as an ambassador and role model to encourage youngsters to
participate in this great sport. I have always believed in a drug free sport and my views
are no different now.
What
has inspired you to date ?
Watching Carl Lewis win an unprecedented four gold medals at the Los Angeles
Olympics gave me motivation to become an Olympian myself. While I watched Carl Lewis
achieve Olympic history, I dreamt one day of standing on the winners rostrum myself.
What
are your future aspirations ?
I still feel that I have a lot to achieve in the sport. But the truth is that
the last 16 months have been a nightmare for me and those around me. I want be able to put
the whole unsavoury episode behind me and get my career back on track and then try and
medal in every major championship that I participate in.
What
are your thoughts regarding supplements now ?
At the time I believed various supplements would help my recovery or provide
better protection for my immune system. I was always suffering sore throats and colds
which lost me valuable days training. I have not taken any since November 1999. I feel
much stronger without them, both physically and mentally.
What
advice would you offer other athletes based on your experiences of the past two years?
I have given this question much thought and I have come up with this ten step
guide:
1.
If
you are taking pills or special supplements- STOP!
2.
Instead
of taking any kind of supplement make sure you look at your own eating habits.
3.
Always
get advice from a professionally qualified doctor or nutritionist.
4.
Make
the necessary changes to ensure you have a balanced diet.
5.
Do
not believe all the marketing, promotional literature surrounding supplements nor what
athletes say- always check out of information.
6.
Be
wary of any guaranteed safeguards from the supplements industry.
7.
Know
and Observe the IAAF Rules. (Under IAAF Rules) Athletes are responsible for everything
they take into their bodies.
8.
Stay
clear of all supplements!
9.
Spread
the word and tell others particularly younger inexperienced athletes of the potential
dangers of supplements.
10.
My
message is a simple one. You don't need drugs or supplements to get to the top in
athletics.