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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AIU Founded To Restore Credibility
- The AIU was created in 2017 as an operationally independent body after governance failures at the IAAF.
- Its independence is written into World Athletics' constitution and enforced by an independent board.
Independence Strengthens Trust And Sponsorship
- Operational independence is backed by reporting lines to an independent board, not World Athletics Council.
- Catching dopers has improved World Athletics' reputation and sponsor interest, Brett says.
Top Performers Are AIU's Priority
- The AIU focuses on the very best athletes worldwide, especially the top performers in each discipline.
- Registered Testing Pool athletes must provide year-round whereabouts so the AIU can test them out of competition.