Drug testing by candlelight!

So the last two days I have been at the SA short course swimming champions. Swimming has gone well, with some of the SA Olympians making appearances at the meet, after a tough time of racing at the Beijing Olympics.

So on the first evening the local drugs in sport testers came to do the drug testing. Firstly I must say that it is great that this takes place continuously within the sport of swimming in South Africa. Secondly, it is great how the awareness of drug testing has increased and individuals have become more aware of cheats will be caught. Finally, it was amazing to see how many drug tests were done in Beijing. If i remember there was a total of 4500 tests performed, 900 more than in Athens.

 

So back to my story. As per usual they arrived unanounced resting the appropriate facility for such testing. As I chaperoned one of our club swimmers to the testing procedure I could not help wondering if due to the current situation with electricity in our country, that they had to change their usual procedures. There we sat looking into each others eyes with just a drug testing kit, urine sample and a candle for light! I wonder if the testers are now kitted out with the standard tools and a candle, with matches so that even if our electricity supplier has a blackout, testing will happen. Go for it Guys.

 

SB

Wayne Goldsmith

Goldie, as he seems to be fondly known by some of his Australian counterparts has been visiting us at the University Of Pretoria and the High Performance Centre.

 

What an awesome conference we had. It amazes me at his real world sporting knowledge that he has in the field of sport and applied sports science. Over the last few days I have been fortunate enough to interact with him, listen, question, listen, observe and listen how he advises the various coaches and administrators with real world experience. It has been really inspirational for me!

 

The main thing that stands out for me is that it all starts with me and try, try and keep trying by keeping the basics in place.

 

So thanks to TuksSport & HPC for bringing him over.

Steven