ITA Education Ambassadors

Ana Jelusic OLY

Ana is a three-time Olympic alpine skier who represented Croatia. At 15 years old, Ana was the youngest competitor at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002. Ana is driven by a passion for sports, media and communications and works closely with athletes as an IOC Career and Master Educator, supporting the smooth navigation of career transitions for athletes.

“The memory of my very first doping test is still vivid in my mind – I was 15 years old and before being notified during my first Olympic Games that I had been selected for a test, I had never been given any information about what to expect. I felt scared and powerless and therefore believe that it is never too early to educate athletes about their rights and responsibilities, and processes when it comes to clean sport.”

Anita Hartung

Anita is a Hungarian former basketball player with extensive international experience, having competed in NCAA Division 1, FIBA EuroLeague Women and FIBA EuroCup Women. Anita holds two master’s degrees: one in Sport Coaching from the Hungarian University of Sport Science and the other in Financial Management from Oxford Brooks University. She works as an Athlete Support Officer at the International Testing Agency . Her extensive experience and expertise in competitive sports, education and business make her a respected figure in the field of sports and she remains dedicated to making ongoing contributions in that field.

"As a former athlete and an ITA Education Ambassador, I bring a deep understanding of athlete behaviours. I'm excited to be part of this education program, connecting directly with athletes to hear their stories and concerns. This role lets us demystify anti-doping, and I'm eager to contribute to the promotion of clean competition. Together, we're shaping the future of sports by giving athletes the knowledge they need for an even playing field.”

Billy-Scott Irakoze, OLY

Billy-Scott Irakoze is an Olympic swimmer from Burundi who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is an active member of the Burundi National Olympians Association. After his swimming career, he had the opportunity to pursue his master's degree in Sports Ethics and Integrity to gain deeper knowledge to make an impact in sports integrity.

"My first introduction to doping control came during a national championship meet in 2019. At the time, I had limited education about doping violations and procedures. I was tested for the first time without really understanding much about it beyond following the guidelines. That experience motivated me to acquire knowledge and become better informed on anti-doping policies and practices. I firmly believe all athletes, regardless of level, deserve comprehensive education to foster a level playing field and culture of clean sport."

Derek Ryan

Derek is a former professional squash player for Team Ireland who competed on the PSA World Tour for 12 years, and reached a high of No.7 in the world rankings. Derek is now a sports physiotherapist with expertise in sports performance, a lead physiotherapist and a medical consultant for the PSA World Tour, as well as a strength & conditioning consultant and advisor to a number of the world’s top-ranked squash players.

“I’ve been fortunate to be involved in sport all my life as a competitor and also training others to achieve their goals. Having the opportunity to educate athletes about the most important aspects of clean sport complements what I do on a daily basis. I am excited to share my knowledge, ensuring that athletes can focus on training and competing safely.”

Dora Hegyi

Dora is the Vice-President of the International Gymnastics Federation Athletes’ Commission. She is a former aerobic gymnast for Team Hungary who won a World Games silver and two bronze medals, the European Games gold and was the European and World Championships Vice-Champion. Dora has a Master of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences degree from and she is currently working as an international coach, judge and owner of a leotard company.

“Sport has given me so much since I was a child: determination, responsibility and respect. I believe that athletes need education to really understand these important values of sport, and to live by them. As an athletes’ representative, I have been strongly supporting the athletes’ rights, fair play and clean sport, and I am honored to be a part of the ITA Ambassador team, providing important anti-doping knowledge to the sport community.”

Dr. Kelsey Erickson

Kelsey is the Senior Director of Athlete Health, Engagement & Experience at USA Cycling where she oversees athlete holistic development and well-being. She previously spent over a decade working in international anti-doping, dedicated to developing evidence-based anti-doping education interventions and whistleblowing policies and procedures.

“Sports have always been a huge part of my life and have provided so many incredible memories, relationships and experiences. I want every athlete to have positive memories of sport, but I know doping has left many athletes with negative experiences. I believe clean sport education is critical for protecting and empowering every person – not just athletes – to make informed decisions about substances and to deterring doping. And deterring doping is critical for ensuring positive sport experiences.”

Elisabeth Vathje OLY

Elisabeth is an Olympian in the sport of skeleton, having represented Canada at the PyeongChang 2018 Games. She is a member of the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) Executive Committee and is an active member of the IOC Athletes Declaration Steering Committee. Additionally, Elisabeth is completing her Executive Masters in Sport Organisation Management (MEMOS) and a master’s degree specialising in sport sponsorship and marketing at the Johann Cruyff Institute.

"Having competed as a professional athlete for 13 years and completed more anti-doping tests than I can count, I fully understand the importance of educating athletes and their entourage on the importance of clean sport. I believe it is crucial that athletes understand why the rules are in place first and foremost - and then how to abide by them. If athletes are educated, this will allow them to feel empowered. And so, with that, I am very excited to be joining the ITA Education Ambassador team to help athletes along their athletic journeys. "

Eric Mackenzie

Former Australian rules footballer with the West Coast Eagles – Australian Football League. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Strength and Conditioning – Edith Cowan University (Australia). Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration degree – Academy of Sport Science and Technology (Switzerland).

“Sport is part of the fabric of society. The athleticism, the heroics, the heartbreak, the memories and stories along with the competition is all genuine and that is why people love it and embrace it. For these stories and competitions to be genuine, sport needs to be free from doping and that is why educating athletes and their entourage is so important.”

Florence Schelling OLY

Florence is an accomplished Swiss ice hockey athlete with a 25-year long career that includes four editions of the Olympic Games and an Olympic bronze medal. Florence is passionate about athlete rights and is a strong advocate for safe and clean sport. She is a representative on the Swiss Olympic Athlete’s Commission and the Swiss Association of Ice Hockey Players. She holds a Master’s Degree of Science in Business Administration in Strategy and Management in International Organisations, has a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Sports Management and is a Certified Professional Coach.

“As a four-time Olympian, I have seen and experienced first-hand the pressure that is put on athletes to perform at their best when it matters the most. The temptation to reach for a stimulant is real but completely unnecessary. I have been lucky to have a phenomenal medical team throughout my career that educated me on the topic of clean and fair sport. Sport is so much more than a competition, it’s a life lesson. I was fortunate to grow up in such an environment. My passion is unlimited and goes beyond just sport. That is the reason I want to educate others on the topic of clean sport, so they can benefit from unforgettable and life-changing experiences. We are more than athletes, we are humans! As an ITA Ambassador, I hope to positively influence and educate youth athletes to perform clean on and off the playing field.”

Gabriel Zangenfeind

Former high-level basketball referee and referee coach. Sport Integrity expert; formerly IF Relations Manager at WADA and National Federation & Sport Senior Associate at FIBA. Entrepreneur in the Sport, Technology & Innovation sector. MBA diploma with Minors in Project Management & Big Data Analytics – EAE Business School (Spain).

“As ITA Education Ambassadors, we are privileged to engage with athletes - we get to hear their stories & concerns. In return, we intent to spread light on the anti-doping mystery box. It’s refreshing to be part of this dynamic program that strengthens sport by making anti-doping education a two-way street.”

Geneviève Jeanson

Geneviève was a professional cyclist for 10 years. She represented Canada at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, won several World Cups as well as two junior World Championships. In 2005, Geneviève failed a drug test for EPO and was banned from all sport for 10 years. In 2015, Geneviève opened up about the situation that led to doping, which she now shares with hopes of helping other athletes facing similar difficult circumstances. Geneviève returned to her studies at the age of 30 to continue on the academic path that was interrupted by her cycling career when she was a teenager. She is now the head trainer at a fitness studio in Montreal and lives a full, enriching life. She mentors young women in professional cycling and is increasingly active in advancing safe sport policies for athletes. Geneviève returned to competition on the pro gravel circuit in 2022.

“My experience with doping is definitely not the scenario people expect; I was coerced into taking performance enhancing drugs at the age of 16 by a coach who abused me for the remainder of my career. Failing a drug test was a relief and my saving grace; my day-to-day reality was much scarier. It is important for me to raise awareness of the fact that not all doping stories are the athlete’s personal choice - before judging and sanctioning, we must look at the bigger picture. I hope that my voice helps protect athletes against abuse and intimidation into doping and contribute to changing society’s “winning at all costs” mentality.”   

Goldie Sayers OLY

Goldie is a three-time Olympian, Olympic bronze medalist and British record-holder in javelin. Goldie is a passionate advocate for athlete education and empowerment through Olympic values, and she sat on the British Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission for many years. She was directly impacted by doping, having been awarded her Olympic bronze medal 11 years after the Beijing Olympics via the medal reallocation process, after another athlete was retrospectively banned after a positive test. Goldie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and MSc in Sporting Directorship. She now runs a successful property investment business and continues to mentor young athletes.

“Sport has given me a huge amount in my life and has helped develop the values I live by today: respect, integrity, hard work, resilience and fun. Having been directly impacted by a drug cheat in my sporting career, I believe that everybody should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, and should never feel as if they have to resort to drugs in order to perform to the best of their ability.”

Janice Lyn

From track and field and martial arts to nutrition and biology, Janice has enjoyed all aspects of a healthy lifestyle since her early childhood, prioritising education and sport in a balanced way. Since finding her home in the art and sport of muaythai, she has evolved from a competitor and a World Champion to a coach, gym manager, administrator, and the chair of the IFMA Athletes’ Commission. Janice stands for the protection of clean athletes on and off the field of play, has zero tolerance for cheating of any kind and is an advocate for education, particularly regarding some of the consequences of doping and effects on the athlete’s body through her capacity as a holistic nutritionist. Janice’s values align with the five pillars of muaythai: honor, respect, tradition, fair play and excellence.

“Clean Sport is important to me because it has a huge impact on the health and welfare of athletes and their right to fair competition. From a martial arts perspective, it is about taking what you learn and giving it back to the next generation. Clean sport offers hope and protection for the next generation of athletes. We owe it to them to rise up against doping, be a strong voice and educate one another so that the field of play remains untainted by negative influences, and athletes can continue to enjoy sport as it should be.”

Jernej Damjan OLY

Jernej is a former professional ski jumper who represented Slovenia at four editions of the Olympic Games. Now retired from competitive sport, Jernej serves as the athlete’s representative at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the Slovenian Ski Federation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is currently the social media coordinator for the Ski Association of Slovenia.

“It is only nice to compete in every sport as long as the playing field is fair. Doping can change that significantly. My goal for as long as I can remember is to try and make sport a safe and happy place for athletes, so that they can do their best and most importantly, always have fun doing what they love!”

Kady Kanouté Tounkara OLY

Olympian (2008) and co-captain of the Mali basketball team. Ex-professional basketball player; five-time French National Junior Champion. WADA Education Committee Chair. Master Trainer and Steering Committee member – IOC Career+ Program and the International Red Cross Career Development Program for persons with physical disabilities. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management – Fordham University (USA).

“I felt that it was my duty to contribute to the protection of the well-being of my fellow athletes on and off the field of play while preserving the spirit of sport. I believe education is key, and most deterrent for doping in sport. I also believe that collaboration among stakeholders in anti-doping education is crucial to establish the best customized educational programs for athletes and their support personnel.”

Kerry Galhós

Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Timor-Leste, Kerry embodies the spirit of a true sports enthusiast. Growing up with a fervor for athletics, she seamlessly balanced her passion for sports with a dedication to education, a harmonious blend that has defined her journey. Kerry's talent in tennis opened doors to a scholarship journey, propelling her from local courts to the prestigious NCAA platform at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC). With a Master's degree in Sport Management, Politics, and International Development from Loughborough University under her belt, Kerry now spearheads the Anti-Doping Program and serves as the Program Manager and Operational Point of Contact at National Sports Commission under the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Art, and Culture in Timor-Leste. A beacon of inspiration, she continues to champion the transformative power of sports and education in her homeland, embodying a true ambassador of change.

“Being a part of the ITA Education Ambassador team and advocating for clean sport resonates deeply with me, as sports have been my lifelong passion and a cornerstone of my identity. I see promoting clean sport not just as a duty but as a thrilling opportunity to champion fairness, integrity, and ethical competition in the sporting world. By engaging with this initiative, I hope to inspire others, educate on the significance of integrity in sports, and work towards a future where every athlete competes on a level playing field. It's a privilege to be part of this movement promoting the transformative power of clean sport principles.”

Marc Mundell OLY

Three-time Olympian (2012, 2016 and 2021) and continental record holder – athletics (50km race walk). Marc holds a Master in Human Movement Sciences degree from the University of Pretoria (South Africa), as well as a Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration degree from the Academy of Sport Science and Technology (Switzerland).

“I personally experienced the retrospective elation of moving up on the Olympic rankings as a result of several athletes being disqualified for doping offences. As an ITA Ambassador, I hope to educate, influence and dissuade youth from starting down the doping pathway.”

Maria Peredo

Former competitive swimmer and National Team member; Sport communications professional; Brand Manager – European Championships. Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration degree – Academy of Sport Science and Technology (Switzerland).

“Clean athletes deserve to stand in their power and have the right to compete without doping, and I feel deeply honoured to be part of this movement for them. Being an ambassador for the anti-doping cause is a gift to my former athlete self, it brings the greatest joy and the hope that I can bring more power to others.”

Mikel Thomas OLY

Three-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016) and National record holder – athletics (hurdles). Tokyo 2020 hopeful. Firefighter, NCAA coach, Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration degree – Academy of Sport Science and Technology (Switzerland).

”I want to be a part of change, a movement, the future of sport. To not just a fight against doping but to share the passion for Clean Sport. To change the perspective, understanding and exposure of athletes, coaches and supporters while enriching the experience around protecting the sports we love.”

Nicol Ann David

Nicol David is regarded as the greatest squash player of all time, winning multiple international medals and holding the world number 1 position for 108 consecutive months. In June 2022, she launched the Nicol David Organisation to empower the next generation through sport and education. Nicol holds a Doctorate in Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia and an honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. She is also an Academy Member for Laureus and served as National Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP Malaysia. In 2024, she was Deputy Chef de Mission for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Representing Malaysia in the sport of squash for over 20 years was an incredible experience. It was also a big responsibility to serve as a role model for young athletes in my country and around the world, promoting the values of clean sport and the importance of fair play. I took pride in the sense that I worked really hard for every single victory I had throughout my career and that I gave it my best at every point of my life. This is thanks to the positive influence of my parents who guided me to treat everyone, including my opponents, with the utmost respect and to be a good person. I hope to be a positive influence for more athletes by advocating for clean sport to current and aspiring athletes of the future.”

Randolph Oduber

Born and raised on the Island of Aruba, Randolph has played 12 years of professional baseball for the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dutch Team, as well as for professional teams all over the world. Currently, Randolph is on the Executive Board of the World Softball and Baseball Confederation as an Athlete Representative, is co-owner of the Dream Glove Company, is studying for his Safeguarding Officer certification through the IOC and is a baseball coach for the youth of Aruba. Randolph is an exceptional leader and takes pride in his multicultural upbring that allowed him to become proficient in four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento. He also has an associate degree in Liberal Arts.

“I am and always have been a strong believer in playing safe and clean, which is the main reason I want to be a clean sport ambassador – to support and pass on this message to other athletes.”

Sarra Besbes OLY

Sarra is a three-Time Olympian in the sport of fencing for Tunisia (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020). She earned a bronze medal in world championships in 2015. Sarra obtained a master's degree in training: Biology, Nutrition and Health from the University of Paris Descartes in 2014. She is currently a Physical Education teacher at the French school in Abu Dhabi, a fencing coach and an International Fencing Federation (FIE) Athlete Commission Member.

"Representing and competing for a country where fencing isn't popular and becoming a champion is still possible. It's all about never giving up, working hard, and dreaming big. By joining the ITA Education Ambassador team my priority will be to inspire the current and next generation of athletes through sharing my passion for sport worldwide. I am dedicated to instilling the values of clean sport and fair play in athletes, ensuring they excel not only on the piste but in life."

Simona Castro Lazo OLY

Simona is a three-time Olympian (London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) in artistic gymnastics, former NCAA student-athlete and the first-ever female gymnast to represent Chile at the Olympics. As an athlete, she achieved multiple international and national titles. As a professional, Simona holds a Master’s degree in Sport Management and Technology (AISTS) and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (University of Denver). She serves as an educator for the International Olympic Committee, supporting athletes in career transition, and pursues a career in the sports and events management field.

"I have always had a passion for helping others, and sport not only opened multiple opportunities for development but also built the person that I am today. I want to give back to the world of sport. Education is a key component of athlete performance, and I have always believed that access to information plays an important role in the fight against doping. Being able to contribute to ITA’s education program allows me to help bridge the gap and provide athletes and entourage members with the opportunity and access to education."

Thais Cevada

Thais is a former elite athlete who competed for the Brazilian Artistic Gymnastics Team. She is an International Clean Sport Educator (ITA), a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Social Science Research (WADA) and a Doping Control Officer who worked at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She was the Office Advisor and member of the Education Team at Brazilian NADO. Thais is also a PhD and Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Neuroscience of Sports, mainly in the athletes' mental health field.

“I feel it is a honourable cause to share knowledge and to support the protection of athletes from the harmful effects of doping. Education is key to empowering athletes to make better decisions in their sports career and for their long-term well-being. Clean sport means being fair and having a safe competition environment for ethical humans to perform at their best. I am very glad to be part of an active anti-doping system!”

ITA Education Ambassadors

Ambassadors by Nationality

United Kingdom

United States

Germany

Australia

Switzerland

Canada

Mali

Trinidad & Tobago

Mexico

South Africa

Croatia

Thailand

Slovenia

Brazil

Ireland

Hungary

Aruba

Tunisia

Burundi

Timor Leste

Malaysia

Chile

Ambassadors by Name