Dr. Pinelopi STAVRINOU, a former Cypriot judoka and current sport scientist with a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, recently took on a new role as the anti-doping representative of the European Judo Union and with that became one of the Clean Judo Educators who support their respective continent. With her dual background in competitive judo and academic expertise in sport science, she is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact on anti-doping education within the judo community.
Dr. Stavrinou’s journey into this role began in a medical seminar with EJU, where her presentations on athlete health led to a nomination as anti-doping representative, a position she assumed a few months ago, starting her job by enrolling to the International Testing Agency’s Clean Sport Educator program, gaining the necessary professional knowledge within this field.
This nomination is something I am incredibly grateful for. Having been an athlete myself, I understand the importance of this role and feel privileged to contribute to the health and safety of judo athletes.
Her primary focus is the education of athletes around anti-doping rules, doping control procedure and equipping them with essential knowledge on their rights and responsibilities within the anti-doping framework.
I was a competitive judoka and I remember not knowing much about what my rights were. Athletes today often have similar questions, whether about testing procedures or what they should be discussing with their coaches and medical staff. Knowing these things is crucial for them.
Coaches have an important role as well since athletes look to them for guidance, especially around supplements or treatments. In smaller countries, where there might not be national anti-doping programs, education at the federation level is key. National federations are responsible for preparing their athletes before they compete internationally but often, the resources don’t exist. My role and our mission is to change this and support the development of anti-doping education.
Dr. Stavrinou, together with the International Judo Federation and her mentor EMBER Andrea, IJF Anti-Doping Coordinator, as well as Clean Judo Educators from other continents are working toward creating an anti-doping education platform in various languages and a mandatory anti-doping certificate system. Aiming for a 2026 launch, the initially focus is on potential Youth Olympic Games athletes, their coaches, doctors, and physiotherapists. As a next step, the requirements are set to gradually extend to all age groups and athlete support personnel.
Through collaboration, Dr. Stavrinou and the entire Clean Judo Education team hope this new platform will provide a consistent and accessible educational resource for judo communities worldwide, especially for those with limited access to anti-doping education in their countries. In 2025, the anti-doping team will begin attending EJU events and training camps more regularly, sharing knowledge and supporting clean sport practices.
It is an amazing journey ahead of us. We are here to support athletes, coaches, and the entire judo community in staying informed and clean.
For those interested in staying current with all anti-doping updates, it is recommended joining the IJF Clean Judo Telegram Channel, where up-to-date information is available on all anti-doping matters. Through her new role, Dr. Stavrinou hopes to make a lasting impact in the world of judo, paving the way for a healthier and better-informed athletic community.
Images: Emanuele DI FELICIANTONIO
Author: Szandra Szogedi