Kelly Slater, the surf legend, expresses his willingness to undergo random drug tests, while questioning the ramifications of marijuana use in sports.
Currently in Australia for the commencement of the ASP World Tour, which kicked off with the Quiksilver Pro, the 11-time world champion is preparing for a new season.
This event marks the initial occurrence of stringent anti-doping regulations, permitting surfers to be tested for both performance-enhancing drugs and certain “recreational” substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine.
Refraining from alcohol, Slater has not yet decided if he will pursue a 12th world title. He commented on the issue, describing it as “silly” that a snowboarder lost his Winter Olympics gold medal due to a positive marijuana test.
“I thought to myself, did that really aid him or hinder him? I would assume it slowed him down,” Slater remarked.
“It seemed rather absurd. The guy wins, and then it’s taken away because he used marijuana, labeling it as cheating. I don’t know; it struck me as foolish.
“Nonetheless, we have standards to uphold. Thus, implementing drug testing is entirely appropriate for us.”
In-competition testing will be conducted on surfers. However, a positive result will only be publicly disclosed if the substance is enhancing performance or if it results in a third positive test for a recreational drug.
While the inclusion of alcohol in the banned substances list is subject to future review, it remains effective for the inaugural event.
Kelly Slater Factfile
- Born: February 11, 1972
- Height: 175cm
- Weight: 73kg
Surfing Career:
- Years active: 1990-
- Stance: Regular (natural) foot (left foot forward)
- World Champion: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
- World Championship Tour wins: 48
by Buford Balony
