Ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, France, coaches, managers, and officials responsible for Team Fiji have received a vital reminder to prioritise their own health following the completion of Team Fiji’s first medical screening over the weekend.
Dr Jone Nasome, chair of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC’s) medical commission, emphasised the importance of ensuring the well-being of not just athletes but also the entire entourage comprising the chef de mission, coaches, officials, and managers.
“While our primary focus is naturally on the athletes, we must also acknowledge the significance of the health of all individuals supporting Team Fiji,” Dr Nasome emphasised.
“The rigours of organising and preparing for such a prestigious event can exact a toll, both physically and mentally on the officials as well.”
Dr Nasome said with the Olympic Games getting closer, the risk of injuries could be high especially with athletes trying to push themselves to make the final teams.
“We urge all those preparing for the Olympics to seek medical advice early to avoid prolonged injury that could result in athletes, coaches or managers not making Team Fiji,” he said.
Dr Nasome said should teams require the services of the medical team, to get in touch with the Team Fiji administrator who will than inform them of how to organise assistance.
Dr Nasome also reminded athletes, coaches, and officials about the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its list of prohibited substances and methods.
“There is no excuse now for anyone who hopes to be a part of Team Fiji as we have reminded sports about WADA and what can be found online for everyone to see,” he said.
“There are apps like the Global Drug Reference Online or Global Dro, even WADA has an app which is available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store,” he said.
“These apps provide athletes and support personnel including coaches and officials with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.”
Dr Nasome said the List is updated annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.
“It is important to know about anti-doping rules and regulations now as athletes can be tested in and out of competition at any time,” he said.
Dr Nasome stressed the importance of athletes and officials being aware of the rules and most importantly the “principle of strict liability.”
“It basically means that each athlete is strictly liable for the substance(s) found in his or her body, as a result of testing” he said.
“An anti-doping rule violation occurs whenever a prohibited substance is found in an athlete, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.”
