Powerlifting America | USADA Testimonial on Clean Sport

Robert Keller – President, Powerlifting America:

“You know, I said to myself, this is a really important day, historic day, landmark day for the sport, my sport, my community that I’ve been a part of for 50 years.

Having come through the 70’s, the 80’s, and 90’s, when there was really no drug testing, I had to compete against athletes who knowingly told me that they were using PEDs. Back then we really didn’t have testing, but I’m glad to see that we have it now. So, USADA and the folks that are now in charge and have the ability to make an impact can do so.

We can’t turn a blind eye anymore. And we need to do as much as possible and it’s everyone’s responsibility. It’s the athlete’s responsibility, the coaches, the officials, the referees, everyone. If somebody is suspected, file a complaint.

Obviously you want the most credible organization and I’m very proud to say we have one of the best national anti-doping organization’s possible. And we want to do it for our athletes. The athletes should have the most credible drug testing and they deserve that.

Our core values are a fair and level playing field for all athletes. And one of the things when we first created Powerlifting America is that I share with my athletes that you will be subject to testing 365 days out of the year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s not been an easy journey, but, you know, the outcomes so far has been great for us and our athletes and our organization and the sport of Powerlifting America. It’s changed a lot.

I ask the athletes, “Has it changed?” “Yes,” is the answer, immediately.”