Michael Ashenden

Michael Ashenden is a sport scientist and antidoping researcher passionate about eradicating drug cheats from sport, as demonstrated in the ABC Four Corners documentary ‘Tarnished Gold’ which traced his battle to overcome bureaucratic hurdles in order to strengthen drug detection procedures.

In the leadup to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Michael was recruited to help develop a test to detect the blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO). In 2001, frustrated with political obstructions he relinquished his position with the AIS and coordinated the formation of SIAB, an international research consortium specialising in the detection of blood doping. SIAB subsequently developed the test for blood transfusion that snared 2004 Olympic cycling gold medallist Tyler Hamilton, as well as tests for artificial blood substitutes that were first introduced at the Athens Olympics.

Michael has published editorials outlining the challenges faced by authorities in their cat-and-mouse battle against drug use. Currently SIAB is funded by overseas antidoping agencies to research the possible use of gene-based methods to catch drug cheats.

Topics: Health, Sport

Travels From: Victoria

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