Startling doping rates

AUSTRALIA’S anti-doping body has vowed a “stronger” and “more sophisticated” pursuit of substance trafficking and possession after revelations almost one Australian athlete a week has been sanctioned for doping offences during the past four years.

New ASADA boss David Sharpe has promised a greater focus on the agency’s intelligence capacity alongside renewed efforts to athletes over drug use.

The former AFP officer said it was “deeply disturbing” knowing young athletes were considering putting dangerous drugs in their bodies for sport.

“We know this because more than 170 Australian athletes across 20 sports have been sanctioned for doping in the past four years,” Mr Sharpe told Senate estimates. educate