Analysts from the South African Doping Control Laboratory join anti-doping efforts at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Two Analysts from the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL), situated at the University of the Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa), have been selected to play a crucial role in anti-doping operations at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
This year’s Olympic Games are scheduled from 26 July to 11 August, followed by the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September. Over the duration of both Games, Elandré Williams and Betsie Human will join the anti-doping Paris laboratory team, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Williams will focus on steroid profile analysis, including data processing using gas chromatography, sample preparation and isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
Expressing her excitement, Williams commented, “I am excited, optimistic and privileged to have been given this opportunity, but I have to say that I am also quite nervous as this is most probably the biggest sporting event of the year. Being a part of the fight against doping in sport remains a great responsibility as what we do directly impacts the athletes.”
You may also be interested in:
“It will definitely be an advantage for me as an Analyst to get exposure to how the entire analytical procedure is executed in another laboratory, as well as insight into possible new techniques and advancements that I will be able to apply back at SADoCoL,” she stated.
Human, who was a Junior Analyst during the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, will also manage sample preparation and data processing. She noted the vast scale of the Olympic Games compared to single-sport events.
Highlighting the advancements in doping control over recent years and her anticipation of seeing how the workflow and logistics are managed, Human commented: “In the past 14 years doping control as a whole has grown significantly. New technologies, updated requirements, more sensitive testing methods have emerged – this will be a new experience.”
Hanno du Preez, Director of SADoCoL, expressed great pride in having two team members participate in the Olympic and Paralympic, calling it a pinnacle achievement for any scientist.
