As boxing continues to evolve, so too does the need for stronger anti-doping measures, especially with the ever-growing list of banned substances both in and out of competition.
Recognizing this, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosted an anti-doping workshop over the weekend at the National Racquet Centre.
Dr Karen Pilgrim conducted the GBA’s anti- doping workshop
The workshop was facilitated by Dr Karen Pilgrim, Member Country Representative on the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), and brought together coaches, trainers and boxers from GBA-affiliated gyms.
“Anti-doping is becoming increasingly important for Guyanese athletes because, little-by-little, they’re doing better on the world stage; and once you’re doing better, you will be tested,” Dr Pilgrim told the media on the sidelines of the session.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has, since 2021, introduced international standards requiring that athletes’ first experience with anti-doping be through education, she disclosed.
“It’s the second time we have done something like this, but more-and-more, we want our athletes to be educated; because, notably, since 2015, officials can also be sanctioned under the WADA Code of Conduct,” Dr Pilgrim has explained.
She clarified that the term “officials” refers to anyone categorized as athlete support personnel, coaches, team managers, doctors and physiotherapists, highlighting the broad responsibility that comes with working alongside athletes.
Anti-doping in amateur boxing has gained global attention in recent years, as the use of prohibited substances has trickled down from the professional ranks.
In a sport where strength, endurance, and quick recovery are critical, the temptation to use performance-enhancing drugs remains a serious threat.
President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, hailed the workshop as the “first step in the right direction. We started something that we hope gains traction.”
Ninvalle has acknowledged that doping in amateur boxing is a widespread issue globally, and made it clear that Guyana is not immune to the problem.
“Sometimes, you never know, a little cough syrup that we may take can have things, and it’s a substance that has been banned,” Ninvalle cautioned, underscoring the importance of vigilance in even the smallest decisions athletes make regarding medication.
“This is something that I will push to make sure we have at least twice a year, because I think as we go on, the list of banned substances increases,” Ninvalle added.
Dr Pilgrim, a highly respected figure in the regional sporting community, has been a champion for clean sport throughout her career.
A recipient of Guyana’s Golden Arrow of Achievement for her outstanding contributions to sport, Dr. Pilgrim has served on RADO’s Executive Committee since 2016, and has worked as a Doping Control Officer since 2009.
Her vast experience spans both in-competition and out-of-competition testing, including work at major international cricket tournaments.
Through workshops like this one, the GBA is aiming to build a foundation in which education, ethics and athlete protection are as central to success as training and talent.
