Beyond the athlete: an approach to understanding and preventing doping in sport

Drawing upon the systematic identification of contributory factors to doping by Naughton et al. (2025) using Rasmussen's Risk Management Framework, this essay reconceptualises doping in sport as a systemic phenomenon rather than merely an individual transgression. It synthesises evidence demonstrating how doping emerges from complex interactions across multiple hierarchical levels—from international governance to individual athletes. The traditional deterrence-detection-punishment paradigm is critiqued for its reductionist focus on athletes, while overlooking broader sociotechnical influences. ActorMaps and AcciMaps illuminate key relationships and leverage points within this system. Accordingly, the essay proposes a multi-level prevention framework aligned with the emerging "Anti-doping-II" paradigm, integrating proactive interventions across all system levels—from policy reform to peer-led initiatives. This systems thinking approach shifts responsibility from individual blame to collective action, offering a more holistic and sustainable pathway towards doping prevention in sport.