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News07 Jun 2001


"Learn from my bitter experience"

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"Learn from my bitter experience"

Since 1991, the British athlete Mark Richardson has been one of the world’s 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 anyone’s 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. I’m 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.

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