With today being Play True Day, we check in with standout swimmer Ryan Pini as he reflects on his career in the pool and his dual role as a member of the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee and chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Council.
The four-time Olympian and Papua New Guinea's first swimmer to make an Olympic final sits down for an interview on #PlayTrueDay to talk sport -- and what has inspired the 28-time Pacific Games gold medallist to compete clean.
Why did you join the WADA Athlete Council?
I have been involved in Voices of Our Athletes outreach program for over 15 years, WADA’s Anti-Doping has been a very strong part of that messaging to athletes in my region. Anti-doping continues to be a main discussion point in all athlete-related matters, I have competed in the highest levels of my sport and have been through the anti-doping system to offer advice to fellow athletes, in particular the developing countries that often do not have the resources to provide athletes with awareness.
What do you want to achieve as the chair of the WADA Athlete Council?
The Athlete Council is a new body that was created under the recent WADA reforms, while we have a new council, it is important to remain consistent with programs already in place like the Human Rights Impact Assessment, the Anti-Doping Ombuds and standing committee relations. A major task for our AC will be to develop a Strategic Plan that will coincide with WADA’s new Strategic Plan. Most importantly to ensure that the athletes' voice is heard at all levels of the anti-doping movement strategically with our athlete representation on the AC.
We all have people in our lives who influence our values. Who inspires you to play true?
My family are a big inspiration to me, I value a world where my children can take part in a fair and clean sport. My parents have always held high morals on integrity and encouraged me to excel and be the best version of myself on and off the field of play.
What’s your favourite sporting memory?
It’s tough to name the one, but I can’t go past my Olympic Final in the 2008 Beijing Olympics 100m Butterfly. I qualified for my first final, in 8th place which was a huge achievement for me personally and also for our country and region. It was also highly memorable racing in one of the most competitive events where Michael Phelps won his 7th Gold medal.
On #PlayTrueDay, what message do you and your colleagues representing athletes within the clean sport community want to share with your fellow aquatic athletes?
Protecting clean sport is modelling excellence, being the best you can be. We all hold a responsibility to uphold the integrity of clean sport, to demonstrate fair play and the spirit of competition and to inspire future generations. We all need to work together to promote a level playing field for all athletes to ensure that the true essence of sport is preserved for years to come.
What Ryan's Aquatics Colleagues Say About Competing Clean on #PlayTrueDay