Lausanne (RWH) Anti-Doping and the prevention of competition manipulation – topics 14 to 18 years old kids normally are not closely involved with. But for the young athletes competing in Monobob, Skeleton and luge at the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games these are important themes to be aware of.
So the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation IBSF and the International Luge Federation FIL invited the young athletes and also team members to the first Learn and Share Focus day. The International Testing Agency (ITA) as well as the IOC Integrity Unit had prepared an interactive program for the more than 200 participants. Supported by the Athlete Role models – for the IBSF Olympians Jamie Greubel Poser (USA) and Pascal Oswald (SUI) – the YOG athletes simulated a doping test and researched about prohibited substances in medicines.
The presentation can be found in six languages on https://ita.sport/education/realsportlab/
The two young IOC Integrity Unit hosts then explained what can be count as competition manipulation. They, amongst others, aseked the athletes to be aware of what to post on their Social Media channels: Technical or medical information for example should not be subject of discussion. At the concluding interactive quiz, Monobob athlete Theodor Loov von Hage (SWE) finished third from more than 70 athletes participating.
„Be aware of your rights and responibilities. You as athlete are responsible to know the rules!“ the organizers summarized the content of the evening.
The second Learn & Share Focus day for the IBSF athletes is scheduled for January 17th. IBSF event delegate Nicola Minichiello will then coach the athletes regarding planning their sporting career following the YOG. ©RWH2020
Photos: IBSF 
