Search
shop

Lionel Sanders shares the best way to deal with dopers in the sport as a professional athlete

Fan favourite long course professional triathlete Lionel Sanders shares his thoughts on dealing with doping rumours in the sport and focusing on himself.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Last season, the triathlon community was rocked by the shock suspension of American professional triathlete Collin Chartier for an anti-doping violation.

Having tested positive for EPO, Chartier’s ban impacted not only the sport but also his team around him, with former training partner Lionel Sanders issuing an emotional statement at the time.

Asked about how he deals with the fact that there may be other professionals still doping and flying under the radar, the Canadian star addressed the issue in his typical candid manner on YouTube.

“Don’t f****** worry about it”

Having been through one of the most difficult situations an athlete can be put in after Chartier’s doping scandal, Sanders said that he has learnt to concentrate solely on himself.

Lionel Sanders training pic August 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
[Photo credit: Talbot Cox]

“You can’t worry about that [other athletes doping rumours]. Of course I’ve gone through it all, my literal training partner who was living in my house got popped for doping, so of course I am not immune to emotion or skepticism.

“I was extremely skeptical after that occurred, I went through a lot of emotional turmoil, asking myself why do I do this sport if it’s not a level playing field? You know how you fix that? Don’t f****** worry about it, it’s none of your business, because you can’t control these people.” 

“Beat them anyway”

Putting the onus on his own training and ability, the Windsor native said all he can do is train harder than anyone else, trust the anti-doping system in place and follow his own path.

“You have to hope that the powers that be are doing their job and beat them anyway, beat them anyway and there you go, done, fixed that for you.

“If you’re not the most talented, how do you win? You out train them, it’s what I believed in the beginning, that’s how I trained and I can out train anyone, I believe that in the depth of my being and that’s how I win.

“One day I am going to do an IRONMAN event again, better than I have ever done it before. That is the dream, that is the dream, to transcend oneself and I’m in it to win it baby!”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...