The Real Science of Sport Podcast AIU's Brett Clothier: Catching Athletics' Doping Cheats
Dec 17, 2025
Brett Clothier, Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit, oversees anti-doping efforts in athletics. He discusses the AIU’s establishment in response to doping scandals and its independent role in restoring credibility to the sport. Clothier highlights the rise in doping cases in Kenya as a sign of effective testing rather than widespread doping, and elaborates on the importance of balancing testing with investigations. He emphasizes the evolving patterns of microdosing and the need for advanced scientific approaches to combat new doping methods.
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Target Networks Not Just Individuals
- Strategic leniency (allowing one athlete to continue) can be used to catch wider networks, but must follow transparent processes.
- Law-enforcement-style tactics targeting enablers and providers yield larger systemic results.
Kenya's Problem Is Diffuse Market Forces
- Kenyan doping is diffuse and market-driven, with many small providers rather than a state program.
- Economic incentives and deep talent pools create many opportunistic suppliers and users.
Infrastructure And Funding Transformed Kenya Testing
- The AIU built a Nairobi blood lab and convinced the road-running industry to fund an expanded testing pool, transforming control over marathon talent.
- Increased testing uncovered many cases but reduced overall undetected doping and improved control.