Nick Paterson, CEO of Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ), said that working in partnership with agencies around the world “key to saving sports from drug cheats”.
Mr Paterson, who visited Sport Integrity Australia this week, said he was questioned by his own athletes for doing grueling tests in New Zealand.
“I make no apologies for repeatedly testing athletes to show they are clean.said. “That’s who we are as Kiwis. Our integrity is high. But I promise we will continue to persuade other countries to lift their game to make sure they are doing their job better.
“Integrity is really important to who we are and what we live for, which is why we exist as an agency.”
He spoke of the need to work together in the interests of athletes globally.
“If we can clear Australian athletes, which I think they do, then Kiwi athletes will benefit and vice versa. If we clear the Pacific athletes, if we clear the Asian athletes, if we clear the American athletes, all of our athletes benefit from the result.said.
Mr Paterson, whose agency has grown from nine six years ago to 25 today, said doping from sports is done through prevention and deterrence, not detection and prosecution.
“Last year, we trained more and tested more than ever before.said.
“I assume your Australian athletes are clean, so it’s your and our job to protect and support our athletes and to give them enough information so they don’t make mistakes, don’t resort to doping, and stay true to our culture and values.”
He said DFSNZ will become an integrity agency within 12 months, covering child safety, athlete welfare, match manipulation and anti-corruption and anti-doping issues, not only in sport but also in active recreation.
“So now it’s our turn to really learn from what you do and how you do it. I want people to come here and take some time to learn from you first hand, take the things you do really well, see how much we can copy and reproduce and put in there for New Zealand. athletes”
Friday, 23 June 2023