Q&A with Eric Mackenzie – Athlete Advisory Group
Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) Athlete Advisory Group informs our strategic direction and shapes education strategies through the provision of insights into the pressures and influences in sport that can threaten its integrity.
Our shared mission is to build trust with athletes, sports and fans alike to allow everyone the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. To achieve this mission and to truly understand the integrity threats within sports we need to work closely in partnership with everyone who holds a piece to the puzzle.
Engaging with athletes who understand their environment and the pressures of sport better than anyone helps SIA enhance its operations and policy development.
Eric Mackenzie is a former AFL player (retired 2018). He played 147 AFL games and in 2014 was the West Coast Eagles Co-Captain and awarded the John Worsfold Medal (Best and Fairest). He’s also currently an International Testing Agency athlete ambassador.
Learn more about Eric, his role on the AAG and what integrity means to him.
How long have you been a member of the AAG?
I attended my first AAG meeting as a member in December 2021.
What was your first impression of SIA?
It was very positive. We had former CEO David Sharpe sit in the first meeting. He was very honest with the challenges SIA was facing and outlined all the different angles for tackling these issues. He was an open book and was coming to us, as athletes, for assistance.
What is it about SIA’s mission that you most identify with?
Sport has a unique power to bring people together, transcending barriers of age, gender, ethnicity and ability. By ensuring that sport is safe, fair and welcoming, SIA helps foster a sense of community and belonging.
SIA’s efforts to protect participants and to maintain fair competition ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport. This inclusivity not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens social bonds and community spirit. Sport becomes a common ground where people can connect, share experiences and support each other.
In essence sport should be a positive, unifying force in society, accessible to all and capable of building stronger, more connected communities.
Why do you think integrity is so important in today’s sporting environment?
Integrity in sport is fundamentally based on trust. Fans want to see the best athletes perform at their peak and be inspired by their achievements. This inspiration is rooted in the belief that what they are witnessing is genuine and untainted by unfair practices.
When spectators trust that the competition is fair, they can fully engage with the excitement and unpredictability that makes sports so captivating.
Sport has the unique ability to keep people on the edge of their seats, with every moment potentially leading to a thrilling outcome. If there were any doubt that the results were predetermined or manipulated, it would fundamentally alter how we perceive and enjoy sports.
The suspense and emotional investment that fans experience would be undermined, leading to disillusionment and a loss of interest.
Maintaining integrity ensures that the magic of sport remains intact. It preserves the authenticity of competition, allowing athletes to showcase their true abilities and fans to trust in the fairness of the outcomes. This trust is essential for the continued passion and engagement that sports inspire in communities around the world.
Why is it important to be part of the AAG?
The voice of the athlete is very important and needs to be heard by the decision makers in sport.
Being a current or recently retired athlete, we can provide a different lens on the integrity challenges facing sport.
What has been a highlight during your time on the AAG?
The quality of people who are members and the people who SIA bring in to speak at the AAG meetings.
Everyone is on the same mission, but we all come from very diverse backgrounds and experiences which makes the depth of conversation really valuable.
What SIA programs or initiatives have you seen benefit athletes?
The work SIA did with WADA and other international bodies to integrate Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing into their anti-doping programs. DBS is a great example of less invasive technologies that can enhance the effectiveness of anti-doping efforts. DBS testing not only improves the testing experience for athletes but also allows for more efficient and widespread testing.
SIA's leadership in this area has helped set a standard for other national anti-doping organisations to follow.
What do you do outside of the AAG?
Outside of the AAG, I work in Business Planning in the mining industry. My role is to help the company develop and implement strategic plans to ensure that we are making informed decisions and staying on the right path for growth and efficiency.
Where do you see the future of integrity in sport heading?
The future of integrity in sport will be significantly influenced by technological advancements.
On one hand, innovations such as AI and blockchain can enhance transparency and fairness by effectively monitoring and preventing issues like match-fixing and doping.
These technologies can improve the accuracy of officiating and ensure that competitions remain fair and just. Additionally, global collaboration among sports organisations and governments, along with increased education and awareness, will be crucial in maintaining integrity and promoting ethical behaviour in sports.
However, technology also presents challenges. Athletes are now more connected and accessible than ever, which can expose them to potential agents and increase the risk of unethical behaviour. The constant connectivity and public scrutiny, amplified by social media, can impact athletes’ well-being, leading to mental health issues and increased pressure. Balancing the benefits of technological innovations with the need to protect athletes’ privacy and mental health will be essential.
