Meet the seven sporting stars joining UK Anti-Doping’s Athlete Commission

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[Top left to bottom right: Marcus Stock, Alice Dearing, Melissa Nicholls, Javier Bello, Dan Bethell, Shona Campbell and Natalie Powell] 

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has welcomed seven new members to its Athlete Commission, a diverse cohort of elite sportspeople who are passionate about clean sport. 

The now 12-strong group of British athletes are responsible for helping to shape UKAD’s work and ensuring that athletes are placed at the heart of its policies and practices. 

Amongst the newly appointed members is history-maker, Alice Dearing, who was Team GB’s first ever black female swimmer to compete at an Olympic Games. Since retiring from swimming last year, Alice continues to make a splash in the sporting world as the co-founder of the Black Swimming Association, a British Elite Athlete Association Ambassador, an Access Sport Ambassador, and as a British Esports Federation Advisory Board member. 

Joining Alice is professional Rugby League player Marcus Stock. With a passion for player welfare, Marcus has a MSc degree in psychology and a level 2 certificate in counselling. After gaining his qualifications, Marcus has taken on roles such as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst for local law enforcement, an Independent Child Trafficking Guardian for Barnardo’s, and a Deterrence Coordinator for Milton Keynes City Council.   

Para-triathlete Melissa Nicholls is also joining the Athlete Commission. The endurance athlete has made her mark at the Paralympics and continues to compete for Coventry Godiva Harriers Wheelchair Racing Academy, Gloucester Cycling Club, and Tri Team Glos where she also coaches triathlon. Melissa is no stranger to anti-doping, having received education and testing since the start of her career in 2012. In addition to competing, Melissa is dedicated to sport education via partnerships including Hartpury University & College, and her work for British Triathlon as Club and Workforce Officer. Melissa continues to do a range of social enterprise and community projects, as well as taking on speaking and advocacy work. 

Double Olympian and former World number one Judo star, Natalie Powell, has represented both Team GB and Team Wales during her 15-year long career. Natalie will be bringing her extensive knowledge of the elite sporting environment to the Athlete Commission, along with her insight gained from her Biomedical Science (BSc) and Advanced Coaching (MSc) degrees. 

Next to join the Athlete Commission is Javier Bello, who is the highest ranked British player in the history of Beach Volleyball. Alongside his twin brother, Javier is a three-time British champion, eight-time World Tour medallist, and a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. Off the court, Javier has graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Strategic Communications at King's College London. 

Another sporting legend to join the Athlete Commission is law graduate and GB Paralympian badminton player Dan Bethell. Just some of his accolades include a silver medal at Tokyo 2022 and the 2019 World Championship in the SL3 Men’s Singles. Dan is a four-time European Champion and World number one player, as well as a former ambassador for the charities Cerebral Palsy Sport and Contact (the charity for families with disabled children), and recipient of the Bristol Red Award for Exceptional Sporting Performance.  

Leader, mentor, coach and Scottish rugby player are just some of the titles that Shona Campbell holds. Shona started her career playing for Scotland’s netball team before finding her love of rugby. The GB Rugby Sevens star, who holds a MSc degree in Performance Psychology and has conducted research into athlete mental wellbeing, is looking to bring her insights and experiences to the Athlete Commission.  

After receiving the most applications in its history for the Athlete Commission, UKAD reviewed and appointed members based on their experience of, and commitment to, anti-doping and their understanding of the grassroots to elite sporting environment. These new members will sit alongside an already experienced group of athletes on the Commission, including Ama Agbeze MBE (Netball), Laura Deas (Skeleton), Andrew Heyes (Athletics), Christian Day (Rugby Union), and Jude Hamer (Wheelchair Basketball). 

Ama Agbeze MBE, Chair of UKAD’s Athlete Commission and a member of the UKAD Board, said: 

“We are thrilled to welcome seven incredible new athletes to the Commission. Each new member brings a plethora of experience of elite sport and a passion for anti-doping to the table. This group is critical in ensuring the athlete voice is heard and at the heart of anti-doping in the UK. I’m looking forward to working closely with this exciting new cohort, alongside existing members.” 

Jane Rumble, UKAD’s Chief Executive, added: 

“Our Strategic Refresh, launched last year, clearly demonstrates our commitment to putting the athlete first in all that we do. The Athlete Commission is pivotal in helping us to bring this ambition to life. Members ensure UKAD is held to account, that how we deliver anti-doping education and testing is as effective as possible and help us to advocate for clean sport.  

“We are delighted to see this boost to the Commission and we are looking forward to working closely with members to ensure together we can protect clean sport.” 

As new members step into the UKAD Athlete Commission, Jo Calvino (former British weightlifter) and Bernice Wilson (former British sprinter) will be departing the group as their terms now draw to an end. 

Jane Rumble added: 

“I would like to also thank Jo and Bernice for their vital involvement in the Athlete Commission. Their experience, expertise and advice has helped us to improve and develop massively over the years. We’re sad to see them go but are grateful for all they’ve done to advocate for clean sport.” 

To find out more about UKAD’s Athlete Commission visit its webpage or social media platforms via @ukantidoping.