Principles and values associated with clean sport

The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the overall spirit of sport. Drug misuse can be harmful to an Athlete’s health and to other Athletes competing in the sport. It severely damages the integrity, image and value of sport, whether or not the motivation to use drugs is to improve performance.

To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to a clean field of play is critical. The ICF seeks to maintain the integrity of weightlifting by running a comprehensive anti-doping program that focuses equally on education/prevention and on testing, with consequent sanctioning of those who break the rules.

Principles and values of clean sport

Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world.

The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:

• Health
• Ethics, fair play and honesty
• Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code
• Excellence in performance
• Character and Education
• Fun and joy
• Teamwork
• Dedication and commitment
• Respect for rules and laws
• Respect for self and other Participants
• Courage
• Community and solidarity

The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true. The International Canoe Federation embodies these values – and believes in a clean and fair field of play, and doping stands in direct contradiction to what weightlifting represents.

Our goal is to empower all weightlifters to stay on top of their game – not just Athletes, but coaches, administrators, medical personnel and all other members of the Athlete entourage. 

Why is anti-doping important?

Anti-doping rules exist for the same reason the other IWF rules and regulations exist, which is to define different aspects of the sport in order to maintain excitement and to ensure fairness on the field of play. All rules and the fact that they are monitored and reinforced are designed to prevent any participant from taking an unfair advantage over another.

The use of doping substances or methods to enhance performance is not only wrong, but are also harmful to Athletes’ mental and physical health