Paddling to the Podium with Alyce Wood

Olympic kayaker Alyce Wood takes us behind the scenes of exactly what goes on during drug testing and how the new Sport Integrity Australia organisation will affect athletes.

IT’S a topic that is guaranteed to make headlines.

A matter that every athlete and sports fan alike has an opinion on.

And whether we like it or not, no sport is immune to it.

I’m talking about drugs in sport.

Typically, when you read those three words in the news, it will be followed by a story that has the potential to derail someone’s career, single-handedly ruin a sports reputation or divide a nation full of sport lovers.

Today isn’t one of those days.

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR FIRST 12 WEEKS

I want to give you an insight into my experiences with anti-doping and introduce you to Australia’s new governing body for all integrity matters in sport, Sport Integrity Australia.

This new organisation commenced operation on July 1 and combines the existing functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) with other matters of integrity such as match fixing, member protection, safeguarding children and more.

As an Australian representative athlete, I will be dealing with their anti-doping arm the most, and in that respect not a lot will change for me.

Australian kayakers (from left) Jaime Roberts, Cat McArthur, Alyce Wood and Aly Bull after completing drug tests in under an hour. It was a team personal best. Picture: Supplied.

I will still get random knocks on my front door or taps on the shoulder at training and competitions where I need to get semi-naked in front of a random lady and provide a 90ml urine sample.

Don’t worry though, I’ve now been tested over 60 times domestically throughout my career, which means I’ve perfected the art of weeing on cue.

HOW CRICKETER’S DEATH HAS AFFECTED CLUB

“HORRIFIC ATTACKS”: SURFING ICON’S TERRIFYING SHARK ENCOUNTERS

I will still need to fill out my ‘Whereabouts,’ so the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) knows where I am for one hour every day as well as all of my regular training times, competitions and overnight accommodations.

Yep, WADA knows more about me than my own mother.

And I am still solely responsible for what I put in my body, which means I don’t even risk eating a protein ball at my local cafe because I’m not sure of the brand of protein they use.

But while the anti-doping authorities are often perceived as the ‘bad guys,’ who ask a lot from athletes, I see it differently.

The Australian junior kayaking team. Picture: Supplied.

I see it as a privilege because it means I am good enough for people to care about my performance.

Sure, sometimes it can feel like a burden. Like the time it took my teammate Aly Bull over five hours to provide a sample, or when they knock on your front door when you’re already tucked up in bed, but the positive benefits of this system certainly outweigh the small inconveniences.

Every time I line up for a race, I want to know that I am on a level playing field, and Sport Integrity Australia help to guarantee this.

If you want to find out more about Sport Integrity Australia and their anti-doping processes, visit their website.