Athletes with intellectual impairments and their support personnel: Understanding anti-doping policy, provision, and practice

Summary

Since the reintroduction of intellectually impaired (II) athletes into the Paralympics in 2012, there has been a rapid increase in the number of athletes entering the II elite sport pathway. In 2012, 200 II athletes had been classified, with 120 competing at the London Paralympic Games and by 2021, over 670 II athletes have been classified and 160 competed at the Tokyo Paralympics. However, while participation is increasing, no research has examined the understanding and experience of anti-doping policy, provision and practice for this demographic and their support personnel (e.g., coaches and families) or how anti-doping practitioners are adapting their provision and practice to meet the needs of II athletes.

The aim of the study was to address a knowledge gap by exploring the experiences of anti-doping policy and practice for athletes with intellectual impairments and their support personnel (e.g., parent, guardian, and coach).

Methodology

Study: Cross-sectional, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with the athletes and their support personnel to generate codes and create higher- and lower-order themes.

Participants: International athletes with intellectual impairments (N=10; 20% female), 18 years or older, English-speaking, and registered with VIRTUS; Support Personnel (N=16; 50% female) included parents (n=9), guardians (n=1), and coaches (n=6).

Results

- Education was inaccessible and difficult to engage

- Athletes accepted anti-doping, but did not necessarily understand why

- Athletes reported negative experiences during doping control, such as anxiety, confusion and fear

- Athletes’ knowledge of anti-doping was evidently related to the use of drugs in sport and doping control, and that other policies and practices beyond these were not remembered or considered

Potential significance for Clean Sport

This research provides important insights for the development of anti-doping provision for intellectually impaired athletes globally. This research is highly relevant to Virtus Games which aspires to promote the inclusion of athletes with II from grassroots to the elite. To reach this goal Virtus endeavors strive to work with the sports community to promote understanding and respect. This project also provides Virtus with information on which it can build to promote clean sport within II sport and provide education to athletes, support personnel and partner organizations. This research is especially timely given the expanding inclusion of II athletes through International Sport Federations and mainstream national sport structures, providing the opportunity for early intervention through education. The research deepens understanding of where attention is required and pathways to address such challenges.