They are called vampires and have a very bad reputation among all the athletes in the world. They are the ones who do the dirtiest work, the most unpleasant, the ones who hunt those who don't respect the rules, the cheats. They are police without gun or badge. We are talking about the members of the medical commission of any sport, who are responsible for antidoping.
If the world were perfect, it would not be necessary to fight doping. The word is itself ugly, it sounds bad. Since the world is not perfect, people who take care of the matter are needed. Andrea is one of them.
Eight years of experience with the International Judo Federation and her background as a physical education teacher are fundamental requirements to forge a professional opinion and have a very clear vision on the thorny issue of doping.
At first, Andrea clarifies one thing. “We do not fight doping, we fight for a clean sport, which is not the same.” In other words, you have to be really convinced that there can and should be a perfect sports world, which is not a sterile fight, or a battle lost beforehand.
The issue of doping is not just about analyzing urine and blood samples. There is more, starting with pedagogy. “You would be surprised to know the number of athletes who have no idea of doping,” explains Andrea. "And not only athletes," she concludes.
To be effective you must first explain things. “Doping requires didactics, Andrea continues, because the rules are very strict. We must be very professional, we have to do a perfect job”.
Details are important because any mistake creates a disaster. A case of doping is an indelible stain, often synonymous with twilight career for athletes. Most of those who cheat do so voluntarily and know the risks. “We cannot fail, says Andrea, we have to execute the procedure step by step and without alterations”.
Another fact unknown by fans is the high number of doping cases motivated by stupidity. “For sure, ratifies Andrea. The majority are very young, they don't know the rules or the products they consume”. Ignorance, the worst enemy of youth.
As Andrea is the anti-doping coordinator in the world judo championships, which are held in Tokyo, her work also means having direct contact with judoka. There are many and many more waiting hours in the company of professionals who also express emotions.
"I have an obligation to remain neutral, but I am not indifferent." The judoka that undergoes an anti-doping control has just fought. It is obvious that the mood varies depending on the result. Cheerful or sad, athletes have to comply with the medical protocol and Andrea has to do her job.
“They are not friends, accointances is a better word. In general they are all very kind and patient, it is a pleasure to deal with them”.
What Andrea likes most is to verify that the work done for years has not been in vain. Judo, especially at its highest level, barely registers cases of doping.
“As we invest a lot of time, energy and money in education, there are more and more young people aware of the risks and fewer cases of doping,” Andrea ends.
Yes, the world is not perfect, for now, and the fight for a clean sport is not over. But, thanks to education and values of judo, maybe someday no more vampires will be needed.