UKAD bolsters Athlete Commission with new additions from athletics and football

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has appointed two new athletes to its Athlete Commission. Joining the Commission for an initial two-year term are Bristol City Women’s Football Club (BCWFC) goalkeeper, Sophie Baggaley and marathon runner, Hayley Carruthers. The new additions are set to continue strengthening the British athlete voice in anti-doping.

The UKAD Athlete Commission is an independent group of 11 British athletes who are passionate about clean sport. The group discusses, and is consulted on, UKAD policies, wider issues in clean sport, and ensures that the athlete perspective is included at the heart of anti-doping in the UK.

Hayley Carruthers’ story is one of determination, hard work and resilience. Having previously worked in the NHS as a radiographer for five years, Hayley began her sporting journey just four years ago when she started running. Within a matter of a year, she was selected to run long-distance for England and Great Britain competitively. She more than halved her personal best at that time, at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon, crawling over the finish line with 2:33:59 on the clock - a moment she won’t forget.

Along with Hayley, Sophie Baggaley joins UKAD’s Athlete Commission. The Bristol City WFC goalkeeper becomes the youngest member to be appointed.

Sophie began her senior career in women’s football playing for Birmingham City before moving to Bristol City. She was called-up to represent England under-23s, where she played until progressing to the senior squad in 2016 at the age of 19. At the end of the 2018/19 season, she won The FA WSL Players' Player of the Year award and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Baggaley and Carruthers’ appointment brings the number of commission members to 11. Representing a wide range of Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports. The existing members include Laura Deas, Olympic skeleton bronze medallist, Ali Jawad, Paralympic powerlifting silver medallist, Callum Skinner, Olympic Gold medal cyclist.

UKAD Athlete Commission Chair, Sarah Winckless MBE, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sophie and Hayley to the Athlete Commission. Both are great examples of what can be achieved when passion is combined with hard work and determination.

“Sophie and Hayley have already made incredible achievements early on in their careers. They are the future of sport and will serve as fantastic representatives for clean sport and anti-doping at an elite level in the years to come.”