“The process isn’t a case of report it and stop”: Athletes’ lived experience of whistleblowing on doping in sport

Highlights

•	Whistleblowing is increasingly encouraged in order to expose doping in sport.
•	There is limited understanding of the doping whistleblower’s experience.
•	A creative non-fiction story presents the doping whistleblower’s unique perspective.
•	Whistleblowing on doping is a complex process and emotional experience.
•	Bespoke policies can enhance the effectiveness of whistleblowing on doping.

Abstract

Whistleblowing is effective for exposing doping in sport, garnering increased support and promotion within the global anti-doping community. However, limited attention has been afforded towards understanding the doping whistleblowing process. In response, the authors convey a sense of the whistleblowing context by using the actual words of whistleblowers to illuminate their experience. To achieve this aim, the authors have adopted a narrative approach. Three doping whistleblowers were interviewed regarding their lived experiences of whistleblowing on doping and the data has been represented in the form of one composite creative non-fiction story. The story narrates the whistleblowing experience as a process whereby individuals must (a) determine what they witnessed and experienced was doping, (b) make the decision and take action to report it, and (c) deal with the myriad of consequences and emotions. It also highlights the dilemma faced by whistleblowers who are likely equally compelled to adhere to the moral of loyalty and fairness; yet in this context they are unable to do both. Stemming from the story presented and the forms of retribution experienced, the authors offer practical suggestions for sporting organisations to address in order to empower others to whistleblow on doping in sport. Specifically, organisations should establish and implement whistleblowing policies that: (a) provide protection for whistleblowers, (b) mandate whistleblowing education, and (c) identify an independent person for individuals to seek guidance and support from before, during and following the act of whistleblowing.

Keywords:

• Whistleblowing
• Doping
• Narrative
• Retribution
• Policy development
• Creative non-fiction

Notes

1 The WADA’s Speak Up! platform (2017) and Whistleblower Program (2016) now outline WADA’s policy and procedures for addressing whistleblowing cases that are reported directly to them.

2 While details of specific events and people have been removed, at the time of interview they were corroborated in publicly available stories.