Ready for the Games travel tips and anti-doping information for Beijing 2022

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is reminding all athletes and teams to be aware of the anti-doping rules in place for Beijing 2022, and your commitment to clean sport.

Along with our general advice around checking your medications, updating your whereabouts and familiarising yourself with the Anti-Doping Rules, below is a summary of information included from your clean sport education sessions on anti-doping in Beijing.

The Winter Olympic Games begin on 4 February and the Winter Paralympic Games begin on 4 March 2022.

Check all medications

Check your medications before you go. Global DRO is a useful online drug reference website which enables athletes and players to check if everyday medications contain prohibited substances. Please be aware that Global DRO cannot certify medications that are bought in China. Visitors can search Global DRO for specific information on products sold in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States only.

Buying medication abroad? Sometimes the ingredients within common medications contain different substances to those available in the UK, even if the branding and packaging appears the same. If you are purchasing medications in a country that does not operate a medication database like Global DRO you should contact your medical team or UKAD for guidance.

Beware of contaminated meats

Be aware of the risks posed from contaminated meats. Be cautious and take utmost care when eating meat. We recommend the following:

  1. Plan a nutrition strategy prior to travel. Eat a wide variety of food to reduce the risk, and if eating meat choose modest portions (e.g. less than 100g or 4oz).
  2. Only eat meat from trusted sources such as the hotel or athletes village. Avoid street food.
  3. Eat organic meat that is traceable back to the source if meat consumption is necessary.

If you do choose to eat meat whilst in China, we would also recommend taking the following precautionary actions:

  1. Record where and when meat is eaten when residing in these locations
  2. Record the type and amount of meat eaten on each occasion
  3. Keep a record of all receipts

Track any emergency medications

Athletes may in the course of emergency treatment (e.g. surgery or an A&E admission) be provided with drugs or methods which are prohibited in sport. If you require emergency treatment or medication while abroad, please ensure that you obtain a copy of your drugs chart and all treatment records, prior to being discharged. It may be a good idea to take a card explaining you are an athlete and that you require this information, written in the native language of the country you are visiting, and have this on you at all times. More advice on emergency medications can be found here.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions

Winter Olympics:

  • Between 2 January 2022 and 20 February 2022, all athletes participating in the Olympic Winter Games should apply in person to the International Testing Agency’s TUE office located in the polyclinic of Beijing Olympic Village. Before the 27 January 2022 only ADAMS submissions are accepted.

Winter Paralympics:

  • From the 18 February 2022 until the 13 March 2022, all athletes registered to compete at the Games are considered international level athletes through the duration of the games period as defined in the International Paralympic Committee Anti-Doping code. From the 18 February 2022, the IPC becomes responsible for TUEs and the Games Period TUE rules apply to all athletes.
  • Prior to the 18 February, athletes should apply for TUE through their International Federation or UKAD.

Not sure if you need a TUE for a medical condition? Use UKAD’s TUE Wizard here.

Frequently asked questions on anti-doping at Beijing 2022:
Who is responsible for the anti-doping programme in Beijing 2022?
  • The International Olympic Committee are responsible for the Olympic Anti-Doping Rules, however for Beijing 2022, the IOC have delegated this responsibility to the International Testing Agency.
  • The International Paralympic Committee are responsible for the Winter Paralympic Anti-Doping Rules for Beijing.
Who has responsibility for the sample collection at Beijing 2022?
  • The Beijing Organising Committee has been delegated the responsibility for sample collection for both the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What are the testing methods in Beijing 2022?

Athletes are commonly tested by taking Urine and Blood samples. Dried Blood Spot testing will also be available at Beijing 2022. This new testing method was approved by WADA in September 2021.

In dried blood spot testing, a sample is collected by a puncture or incision of the skin.

You can familiarise yourself with an athlete’s rights and responsibilities during testing here.

A reminder that doping control forms will be paperless at Beijing 2022.

100% me

100 per cent me

Download our 100% me app for Beijing 2022 and don’t forget to pack UKAD Clean Sport Mascot Squeaky the duck, for your journey!

Good luck and best wishes clean athletes at Beijing 2022.