Elandré Williams (left) and Betsie Human, analysts at the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) at the University of the Free State (UFS). Photo: supplied
Two laboratory analysts from the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL), based at the University of the Free State (UFS), will contribute to the success of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France. Elandré Williams and Betsie Human have been chosen to be part of the Paris Anti-Doping Laboratory team at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Global Games will be held from July 26 to August 11 and from August 28 to September 8, respectively. Williams will be involved in steroid profiling, which involves sample preparation, analysis and data processing using gas chromatography (GC) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). This is her first international sporting event.
Human brings with her experience as a junior analyst with SADoCoL during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. She will also be involved in sample preparation, analysis and data processing.
Both expressed their great appreciation for the unique opportunity they have been given to serve at the World Games and gain valuable knowledge.
“I am excited, optimistic and privileged to have been given this opportunity, but also quite nervous as this is probably the biggest sporting event of the year. Being part of the fight against doping in sport remains a huge responsibility as what we do directly impacts the athletes. This is a great opportunity to grow both individually and in my field of science and doping control,” Williams said.
“I was a junior analyst with SADoCoL during the 2010 World Cup, but you can’t compare a single-sport discipline with a multi-sport discipline like the Olympics – the Games will be exponentially bigger,” Human added.
Human said she was looking forward to seeing how the workflow and logistics surrounding the Games (huge volumes of samples, tight deadlines, etc.) are managed in a high-capacity lab.
“Over the last 14 years, doping control as a whole has grown significantly. New technologies, updated requirements and more sensitive testing methods have emerged – this will be a new experience.”
“I’m also looking forward to meeting analysts from other labs, of course – we’re a bit remote in the southernmost tip of Africa. Collaboration between labs is difficult when your nearest neighbour is in Europe,” says Human.
Hanno du Preez, director of SADoCoL, said the laboratory staff were extremely proud that two of their staff were competing in the Olympic Games this year. For many scientists, this is the highlight of their career.
Teboho Setena
www.news24.com
