World Anti-Doping Agency-Former triple jumper Nioze selected as independent observer |11 June 2005

Established in November 1999 to promote doping-free sports in all aspects at international level, Wada created the Office of the Independent Observer in 2000. The aim of the office is to help demonstrate doping control transparency and accountability at Olympic Games, other major Games and World Championships with the fundamental purpose of strengthening athlete and public confidence.

Former triple jumper Paul Nioze is the first Seychellois chosen to be an independent observer.
To be selected, an athlete must have retired, have competed at Olympic Games or World Championship level. The athlete must also have been selected for doping control in his career and must not have had a doping infraction.

With both of his tests taken - in 1990 at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, and after his triple jump gold medal win at the African Championship in Doula, Cameroon, in 1996 - returning negative, Nioze feels that he has the right credentials to represent Seychelles.

His first assignment will be at next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, from February 10 to 26.

“It’s an honour to be selected as an independent observer. I believe it will kind of open the door for other Seychellois to follow suit. As an independent observer in the collection of urine samples for testing, it will give me valuable hands-on experience that I can pass on to the local doping committee,” said 38-year-old Nioze, who retired in 2000 after participating in two Olympic Games, three World Athletics Championships, a number of African Athletics Championships, several editions of the Indian Ocean Islands Games, All-Africa Games and other competitions in a career spanning 17 years.

It is to note that all independent observers will remain in the pool for a minimum of two years.

The role of an independent observer is to help ensure that the doping control process is both fair and seen to be fair, through the observer’s observations and reporting.

G. G.