Recently there has been much controversy in Japan about buildings being constructed based on fabricated earthquake-resistance data. It saddens and angers me that there are people out there who believe that "it doesn't matter as long as you don't get caught," or that "it's okay to deceive people so long as you profit from it."
I am sorry to say that the same kind of thing is happening in the sporting world as well, with doping.
There are some athletes who rely on drugs to enhance their performance, believing that "it doesn't matter as long as I don't get caught," or, "it's okay to do whatever it takes so long as I win."
However, I am happy to report that the global society is currently taking serious measures to address the problem of doping. Japan is mirroring these measures, and a variety of anti-doping activities are being carried out through the joint efforts of the Japanese government and the Japan Anti-Doping Agency.
During my time as an athlete, I frequently underwent doping control tests before and after competitions. I always felt that the pre-competition blood tests were a huge burden, and the urine tests after a contest weren't exactly pleasant either, being forced to go to the toilet whether you wanted to or not. I am sure athletes all over the world have the same sentiment as I did.
In order to stop the tests being a burden on athletes, the athletes themselves should support each other and work together to eradicate doping. I believe that what the sporting world seeks of athletes these days is not records or results, but sportsmanship itself.
The 16th Olympic Winter Games (Albertville 1992): Nordic Combined Individual, 7th place; Nordic Combined Team, Gold. The 17th Olympic Winter Games (Lillehammer 1994): Nordic Combined Individual, 4th place; Nordic Combined Team, Gold. The 18th Olympic Winter Games (Nagano 1998): Nordic Combined Individual, 4th place; Nordic Combined Team, 5th place. The 19th Olympic Winter Games (Salt Lake City 2002): Nordic Combined Individual, 11th place; Nordic Combined Team 8th place; Nordic Combined Sprint, 33rd place. JOC councilor. Member of the JOC Athletes Commission. Member of the Women and Sports Commission. Member of the House of Councilors.
I am absolutely opposed to doping. Using drugs to enhance one's sporting performance goes against the basic philosophy of sport: fair play.
I underwent doping tests several times during my years in competition.
When testing was first implemented, I didn't fully understand about doping and what types of drugs would be classified illegal, and about the concept of doping as a whole.
It was my sports physician who first enabled me to learn about the ins and outs of doping. Once the doctor explained the details to me, it allowed me to concentrate on competing, as I had understood and accepted the reasons for doping control. One thing that my doctor said has remained with me to this day: "In order to become a top athlete, your biggest strength will be a clear understanding of doping."
When I heard this, I felt ashamed by my ignorance. I took it upon myself to learn about the ingredients in medicines and nutritional supplements, and always consulted with a specialist doctor or trainer about anything I was unsure of before using them. I noticed that my results improved as my knowledge about doping increased, and I was able to compete on a global scale.
Doping = breaking the rules.
An illegal victory is not a true victory. The person who wins by breaking the rules knows that better than anyone. Doping damages a person both physically and mentally.
My ideal vision of sport is something that fosters both the body and the spirit.
The 16th Olympic Winter Games (Albertville 1992): Men's Speed Skating 500m, Silver. The 17th Olympic Winter Games (Lillehammer 1994): Men's Speed Skating 1000m, 11th place. The 18th Olympic Winter Games (Nagano 1998): Men's Speed Skating 500m, 16th place. Member of the JOC Athletes Commission.
All those of you who are athletes, or who dream of becoming an Olympic athlete one day: did you know that a lot of people in Japan have been convicted of doping?
Even though some of these cases may have been accidental, the result is the same as for people who take drugs illicitly. The athlete's dreams are shattered, and their sport is tainted forever.
Be an athlete who can compete in the world with pride, by eliminating accidental doping, saying no to drugs, and resisting temptation!
The Games of the 24th Olympiad (Seoul 1988): Synchronized Swimming Solo, Bronze; Duet, Bronze. The Games of the 25th Olympiad (Barcelona 1992): Member of the Japanese Delegation. JOC Director. Chairman, JOC Athletes Commission. Director, Japan Olympians Association. Athletes Committee Chairman, Olympic Council of Asia.
Someone once said to me, "Hagiwara-san, you're so big! You must be on steroids or something." It's true that I am bigger than the average Japanese person, and have succeeded in breaking a lot of records. But it was very painful for me to hear this accusation. Why would anyone suspect me of using drugs? Of course I have never taken them, and have no intention of taking them at all.
Doping tests proved that my record was completely clear.
By undergoing doping tests, you prove that you are playing a fair game. However, it took me quite a while to understand the meaning of the tests.
In particular, I didn't understand the role of the doping support officers. The doping officer sticks right by the athlete's side right up until the athlete enters the testing room. I was under the impression that the officers were there to make sure we didn't do anything illegal, and to be honest, I was a bit wary of them.
I thought indignantly to myself, "Why do they have to keep such a close eye on me? I'm not doing anything illegal!" This prejudice of mine meant that, back then when I was young, I never felt grateful to or spoke pleasantly to the doping support officers.
Looking back, I wish I had gathered more knowledge about doping from an earlier stage in order to increase my understanding of it. Doping tests allow us athletes to demonstrate our innocence. I have realized that it is thanks to the many volunteers that we have this opportunity. The support officers who stay with us until we enter the testing room are not there because they suspect us of cheating. They are there to protect us from harm. There is a chance that someone may have spiked the beverages we athletes drink with illegal substances. The doping officers protect us from such dangers, and ensure that we receive a fair screening.
Fair play is the basic principle of sport. It is anti-doping measures that support and guarantee fair play. I hope that as many people as possible will deepen their understanding of anti-doping and that effective doping tests will continue to be carried out in the future.
I will of course continue to co-operate with anti-doping procedures myself too.
The Games of the 27th Olympiad (Sydney 2000): Women's 200m Backstroke, 4th place; Women's 200m Individual Medley, 8th place. Member of the JOC Athletes Commission.
