Behind the Clipboard: An Inside Look at Doping Control with 3x Olympian & ITA Athlete Educator Mikel Thomas

Behind the Clipboard: An Inside Look at Doping Control with 3x Olympian & ITA Athlete Educator Mikel Thomas

DOPING CONTROL DEMYSTIFIED: ITA EDUCATOR MIKEL THOMAS ON TESTING, TUES, WHEREABOUTS, AND CLEAN SPORT Have You Ever Wondered What Happens When a Doping Control Officer Shows Up at an Archer’s Door? This episode is going to demystify the Doping Control process and hopefully answer some of those burning questions. Manisha interviews ITA Athlete Educator and three-time Olympian Mikel Thomas about Doping Control and Clean Sport. During his 15+ year career in Athletics and Bobsleigh for Trinidad and Tobago, Mikel has been tested more times than he can remember. Now, as an athlete-to-athlete educator, he walks listeners through the process from notification through to sample collection, privacy, minor safeguards, and an athletes’ rights. He covers who can be tested, Registered Testing Pool (RTP) requirements, Whereabouts, and how missed tests and “fail to comply” can lead to violations. Manisha and Mikel also discuss the risks of buying supplements and medications from another country and cannabis rules in sport. Mikel emphasizes the responsibilities of an athlete for substances used in and on their body, declaring medications/supplements, using Global DRO, and obtaining Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE). The conversation also links sport integrity to athlete branding, highlighting Mikel’s “Off Track” project and Athlete Brand Playbook, and how he helps athletes build monetizable brands through authentic storytelling, NIL awareness, and IP ownership. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:36 Meet Mikel Thomas 01:56 Who is the ITA (International Testing Agency) 02:27 DCOs & Chaperones 04:08 Testing Basics 05:25 Who is Eligible for Doping Control 08:27 Random Testing Reality 10:35 A Step-by-Step Process 13:59 Medications & TUEs 16:37 Minors & Safeguards 18:39 Applying for a TUE 21:51 Declaring Supplements 23:50 Whereabouts & Avoiding Whereabouts Violations 27:53 Fail to Comply Explained 29:23 Buying Medications & Supplements While Traveling 30:04 Cannabis Rules 32:53 Clean Sport and Branding 37:56 Owning Your Athlete IP 40:06 Follow-up and Resources 41:39 Travel Tips and Wrap Up Additional References & Resources Bookmark these sites immediately to keep you and your Archer in the know: * Global DRO: GlobalDRO.com [https://www.globaldro.com/] – Type in a medication name and country to see instantly if it is legal, banned, or requires a TUE. There are variations from sport to sport and in-competition/out-of-competition. * International Testing Agency: ita.sport/athlete-hub [https://ita.sport/athlete-hub/] – Access clear, athlete-to-athlete educational webinars and toolkits. * Sport Integrity Canada: sportintegrity.ca [https://sportintegrity.ca/anti-doping] – The newly updated home for Canadian clean sport standards, therapeutic exemptions, and athlete rights. * Mikel Thomas Branding: Reach out to Mikel directly to explore the Athlete Brand Playbook, digital presence building, and how to secure corporate sponsorships. Instagram and Threads: @mikel_thomas [https://www.instagram.com/mikel_thomas] A Cinematic Look at Doping Control If you want to visually understand the mechanisms, pressures, and flaws of the global anti-doping system, add these titles to your next movie night: * Icarus [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6333060/] (2017): An absolute must-watch. An amateur cyclist and film maker attempts to self-experiment with performance drugs to see if he can bypass standard testing, only to accidentally stumble into exposing a massive, state-sponsored doping conspiracy. It perfectly illustrates how easily sample security can be compromised when systems fail. * The Ben Johnson Story [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28056869/]: Mikel explicitly noted this project. It re-examines the infamous 1988 Seoul Olympics scandal that forever altered the cultural landscape of "anti-doping" terminology and sports media scrutiny. Check out the accompanying blog post [https://www.archeryparentpodcast.ca/blog/behind-the-clipboard-an-inside-look-at-doping-control-with-olympian-mikel-thomas/] for additional resources, an FAQ, and a run-down of this episode with Mikel. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Cost of Precision: Pro Shop Tips for Buying your Archer's First Set-up

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT 101: PRO SHOPS, SET-UP COSTS, USED GEAR, AND ARROW BASICS WITH REECE In Part Two of my conversation with my Archer (& Pro Shop Staff) Reece, the discussion shifts from shoes to Archery equipment, emphasizing the value of supporting and learning from local pro shops versus big box stores through personalized fitting, trying gear, set-up, and tuning for comfort and consistency.  Reece outlines typical costs for set-ups (in CAD$), budget options, bow components, and a whole lot of information about arrows: arrow progression, spine measurements, arrow lengths and cutting, DIY arrow-saw considerations, fletching tools, and parts of an arrow. We end the episode with Reece’s travel essentials and the beauty of Archery as a lifelong sport. Be sure to get caught up, if you missed Part 1 with Reece: "Shoes that Stabilize: Reece's Range-Tested Picks" [https://www.archeryparentpodcast.ca/shoes-that-stabilize-reeces-range-tested-picks/]. 00:00 Welcome Back Reece 00:12 Shoes Recap Advice 01:00 Why Pro Shops Matter 03:33 Comfort And Fit Checks 04:51 Recurve Set-up Costs 07:10 First Set-up Breakdown 08:23 Clicker Timing Debate 11:13 Buying Used Gear Safely 13:21 Arrows & When to Upgrade (… & Why Not To) 14:45 Arrow Spine Numbers: What it All Means 20:04 Arrow Length Cutting 26:00 Fletching Tools  28:35 Arrow Parts Explained 31:17 Compound & Barebow Costs 34:50 Travel Essentials & Conclusion ---- 💡 TOP TIPS FOR BUYING EQUIPMENT  * Prioritize Comfort Above All Else: When trying out gear at a pro shop, always ask your Archer (or yourself), "Is it comfortable?". If a bow feels too heavy, a grip feels wrong, or the draw length is misaligned, the fun will fade quickly. * Let the Riser Grow with Your Archer: Investing in a machined riser at the start gives a solid foundation. You can easily save money on entry-level limbs or accessories first and upgrade those pieces down the road. * Buy Arrows Stiff for Long-Term Savings*: If your Archer plans to slowly increase their draw weight over time, a pro shop can set them up with arrows that are a little stiff to start. These arrows will work well in the future, saving you from buying a completely separate set of arrows a few months down the line.*NOTE: This is a decision between you, your Archer, their Coach, & pro shop staff. It could be a frustrating time as your Archer adjusts. * Inspect Online Used Gear in Person: Dedicated Archery forums have some amazing gems, but it can be a major risk. Always examine used items carefully for hidden damage like bent limbs, scuffed risers, or cracked arrows.  * Don't Rush the Clicker: A clicker is an incredible tool for draw length consistency, but introducing it too early can turn it into a mental distraction. Wait a few months until your Archer's alignment, follow-through, and shot timing are rock solid. 🔗 PLACES, GEAR, & COMMUNITIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE PRO SHOPS & FACILITIES: * The Bow Shop / Shooter's Choice [https://shooterschoice.com/] (Waterloo, Ontario): The local pro shop where Reece has worked for the past five years TRUSTED ONLINE FORUMS & COMMUNITIES FOR USED GEAR: * Nocked Nation (Facebook Forum)  [https://www.facebook.com/groups/OntarioArchery/] * Archery Talk (Dedicated Archery Forum)  [https://www.archerytalk.com/] GEAR MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Bows & Risers: Sebastien Flute [https://sebastienflute.com/] (This was Reece’s beginner set-up.) * SF Explorer Riser  * SF Axiom Limbs Arrows: Easton [https://eastonarchery.com/targetarrows/] * Easton Inspires (Perfect beginner indoor arrow) * Easton Avance (great mid-tier target arrow that replaced the Carbon One) * Easton X10 (The elite, premier Target Archery standard) Fletching Jigs, Tools & Vanes: * Bitzenburger Fletching Jigs  [https://bitzenburger.com/jigs/] * Last Chance Jigs  [https://lastchancearchery.com/product/fletching-jig-vane-master-pro/] * Beiter Tri-Liner  [https://wernerbeiter.com/en/products/tri-liner/TriLiner.php] * Range-O-Matic Spin Wings  [https://romarchery.com/] * Jet6 Vanes  [https://jet6archery.com/] * Spider Vanes  [https://www.spidervanes.com/] Reece's Travel Essentials: A Theragun [https://www.therabody.ca/collections/shop-theragun](for keeping shoulders and neck loose) and noise-canceling headphones  Keywords: Reece Wilson-Poyton | Archery | Expert Archery Advice | How to Buy a Bow | Archery Pro Shop | Compound Archery | Olympic Recurve Archery | Barebow Archery | Buying Archery Equipment | Bow and Arrow ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Long Game: Why 4x Olympian Crispin Dueñas Believes in "Leaving Them Alone"

CRISPIN DUEÑAS ON SPECIALIZATION, HOBBIES, AND SUPPORTING YOUNG ARCHERS Manisha of the Archery Parent Podcast interviews Canadian Archer Crispin Dueñas, 4x Olympian and high school Math/Physics teacher, about specialization, burnout, and how parents can best support their Archer.  Dueñas describes starting Archery by chance after a discussion with his Grade 8 teacher, the switch from Compound to Olympic Recurve, and developing internationally with low expectations, strong coaching, and a balanced life that included school and part-time employment as a life guard.  He shares how fun, teammates, and hobbies help performance, mental health, and how to compartmentalize setbacks. Crispin highly recommends that Archers pursue goals for themselves rather than to please parents.  We discuss Norway’s “Children’s Rights in Sports”, early vs late bloomers, the shock of international competition, taking breaks, and changing equipment to reset. Dueñas also shares how music led to playing guitar with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, meeting the former Prince Charles (now HRH King Charles), his announcing work, and travel tips (always try the local food, tolerating McDonald’s if needed, and learning to sleep anywhere). 00:00 Welcome Crispin Dueñas 00:36 Leave Kids Alone 01:43 How Archery Found Him 03:09 The Teacher Who Changed Everything 04:15 Why Archery Clicked 05:38 Switching to Olympic Recurve 06:46 The Pan Am Games (Toronto) 08:12 Relaxed Path to Elite 10:34 Balancing School Work & Sport 12:12 Keeping the Fun in High Performance 13:22 Coaching Without Pressure 16:22 Why Hobbies Make You Better 19:49 “Sport Room” Metaphor from Author David Epstein 22:21 A Parent’s Fear their Archer is Falling Behind 25:29 Extreme Specialization Tradeoffs 26:52 Playing With Canadian Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield 27:42 Musical Roots 29:48 Meeting Prince Charles 31:16 The Invictus Games (Toronto) 32:41 Hobbies Prevent Burnout 34:48 Post Season Slump 37:36 Taking a Break from Archery 40:54 Norway Youth Policy: “Children’s Rights in Sport” 45:33 Big Fish in a Little Pool Reality Check 49:44 Run Archery  51:57 Travel Tips And Wrap REFERENCES Notable People * Joan McDonald: [https://www.worldarcheryamericas.com/en/joan-mcdonald-a-legacy-in-canadian-archery/] Crispin’s long-time coach who guided him from his early days through his international career. Contributor to the global Archery community for 60+ years. * Chris Hadfield: [https://chrishadfield.ca/]Legendary Canadian astronaut. Crispin played guitar on stage with him at a Canadian Olympic Committee event and even practiced in Hadfield's kitchen. @colchrishadfield [https://www.instagram.com/colchrishadfield?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]  * King Charles (formerly Prince Charles): [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-family/members-royal-family/king-charles-iii.html]Crispin met him at a groundbreaking event for the 2015 Pan Am Games, where the then-Prince demonstrated a natural ability to handle an Olympic bow. * David Epstein: [https://davidepstein.com/]Author whose work on specialization and the "multiple rooms" metaphor is discussed. YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCab3eZ-9h8YQU8qCQzZwCew?app=desktop&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn1BR48Ch5GHHN8x0ON4RL_4JgVHvt8iUzWuOkp1E96HEDA9rcdCMRjjw4UKE_aem_0idhMmAmT8VxaQFhoou6jA] @davidepstein [https://www.instagram.com/davidepstein?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] * Amber Glenn: [https://amberglenn.figureskatersonline.com/meet-amber/] A U.S. figure skater mentioned as an example of an elite athlete who does Archery as a hobby. @amberglenniceskater [https://www.instagram.com/amberglenniceskater?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] * Lauren Dueñas: [https://www.archeryparentpodcast.ca/lauren-duenas-the-abcs-of-being-a-student-archer-academics-balance-competition/]Episode 4 guest on the Archery Parent Podcast discussing life as a Student-Archer, time-management, and balancing it all. @laurenkduenas [https://www.instagram.com/laurenkduenas?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] * Brady Ellison: [https://bradyellison.com/] Always in the Top 5 Male Recurve Archers in the world. 5x Olympian. From the USA. @bradyellison  [https://www.instagram.com/bradyellison?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Organizations and Events * 2015 Pan Am Games: [https://www.worldarchery.sport/competition/14200/toronto-2015-pan-american-games] Held in Toronto; a pivotal moment for Manisha’s son, Reece, and where Crispin met King Charles.  * Invictus Games: [https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/invictus-games/toronto-2017]Held in Toronto in 2017. An international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, where Crispin served as an announcer for the Archery events.  * World Archery: [https://www.worldarchery.sport/?gad_campaignid=21662212287&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAA90_OVjzg1hsojvA0ZTY9vcxLZ6m1]The international federation for the sport of Archery.  Concepts and Models * The "Children's Rights in Sports": [https://www.idrettsforbundet.no/english/childrens-rights-in-sports/] A development model mentioned by the host that focuses on late specialization and avoiding early rankings for children.  * The "Multiple Rooms" Metaphor: A concept from David Epstein’s work suggesting athletes should have lives outside of their sport to avoid burnout. From the book: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World [https://davidepstein.com/range/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIn%20a%20world%20that's%20increasingly,%E2%80%94%20Fareed%20Zakaria%2C%20CNN] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Blueprinting the Shot: A Parent's Guide with Joel Turner

In this episode of the Archery Parent Podcast, Manisha interviews Joel Turner, Archery Dad, and developer of the SHOTIQ approach to performance. Joel reveals why Archery is "just shy of impossible" and how parents can actually help their Archer develop the "ultimate skill of the human being". The discussion includes teaching work ethic, how school-based programs can lead to target panic, and why "just relax" doesn't work. Joel shares the difference between thoughts and thinking, and the one question that can refocus your Archer when things are falling apart. Joel also takes to task the many parents and mid-level coaches who overemphasize form when an Archer's thoughts become too much. Learn the speech-based “blueprint” of an Archer's process, the foundation of the SHOTIQ system. Hint: It's about getting loud in your head with the right words at the right moments. Joel also explains how to handle tournament stress and spectators, and answers a question from a listener worried about his Archer's emotional and physical changes going from the easy backyard practices to the intense tournament expectations. We talk about parent support cues and Turner Family travel tips (avoid connections, AirTags, hydration/electrolytes). 00:00 Welcome to Joel Turner 01:18 Early Archery Roots 02:11 Family Moments Beyond Wins 03:56 Watching Your Archer Compete 05:13 Bad Days and Control 08:08 Why Parents Struggle to Coach 13:52 The Ultimate Skill Is Self Talk 15:54 Reality Check: Goals vs Work Ethic 17:06 NASP: the Birth of Target Panic 19:38 Tournament Nerves 23:56 Spectators and Thoughts vs Thinking 27:48 What Parents Should Ask 32:33 Blueprinting the Process 33:51 How "Little Speech" Can Lead to Big Things 34:17 Barebow Tips 35:37 What is a Safety Concept 36:58 Decision Power Explained 37:46 Technical Tweaks 39:21 Resistance Release 41:34 You're Never Too Young to Think 44:59 Command vs Surprise 48:16 Tournament Nerves Blueprint 51:42 The Empty Lung Drill 54:34 Use Your Words 57:23 The Importance of Rhythmic Speech 01:02:22 Archery Dad Reflections 01:03:14 Travel Tips from the Turner Family Connect with Joel Turner: www.ShotIQ.com [https://shotiq.com] Instagram: @joelturneractua [https://www.instagram.com/joelturneractual/]l | @mama_shotiq [https://www.instagram.com/mama_shotiq/] | @bodie_turner [https://www.instagram.com/bodie_turner/] joelturner{at}shotiq.com Connect with Manisha of the Archery Parent Podcast: www.ArcheryParentPodcast.ca [https://www.ArcheryParentPodcast.ca] Instagram: @archeryparentpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/archeryparentpodcast/] Find the Archery Parent Podcast on your favourite podcast player on PodLink [https://pod.link/1772137629] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Searching for an Archery Range Near You? Discover Archery Ranges Canada

ARCHERY RANGES CANADA: JOSH KENNEDY’S NEW NATIONAL DIRECTORY FOR FINDING RANGES, CLUBS, AND PRO SHOPS Manisha of the Archery Parent Podcast interviews Josh Kennedy, creator of ArcheryRangesCanada.ca, a new national directory to help Archers find Archery ranges across Canada. Josh experienced the time-consuming method of looking up ranges, but realized how unreliable range searches could be. Josh explains why he includes registered clubs, pro shops, and unaffiliated/backyard-style ranges to maximize accessibility for hunters, tournament competitors, and recreational Archers. The site offers search by name or location, geolocation, category filters, interactive maps, and detailed listings with contact info, amenities, bow types allowed, pricing (for certain listings), and directions, with owners/directors able to claim and edit listings. Josh outlines the various levels of listing: Bronze (free), Silver (analytics, clickable contacts, more photos and text, pricing, FAQs, review replies), and Gold (featured placement, ads, unlimited photos, video, events calendar). During our interview, Josh shares early traffic stats for Archery Ranges Canada, notes 244 listings across Ontario, BC, and Alberta*, and previews upcoming features. (*At the time of publishing this episode, ArcheryRangesCanada.ca has been updated to include all of Canada.) 00:00 Welcome to Josh of Archery Ranges Canada 00:40 Why a Directory of Archery Ranges? 03:34 The Community Response 04:34 Inclusive Listings 06:14 Search and Filters 07:26 Range Details and Updates 08:31 Claiming a Listing 09:43 Premium Packages 12:17 Building the Map 13:08 Traffic and Reach 14:23 Hidden Gems 16:06 What’s Next? 17:40 Bronze, Silver & Gold Recap 20:02 Growth 20:56 Why Archery Ranges Canada is For Everyone 22:19 What Does Josh Never Leave the House Without? 22:51 Shout Outs to Mentioned Ranges 23:43 The Bigger Mission of Archery Ranges Canada REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Archery Ranges Canada * Website: www.archeryrangescanada.ca [https://www.archeryrangescanada.ca/] * Contact Email: ArcheryRangesCanada@gmail.com * Feature Focus: Interactive directory and map for Canadian Archery ranges, pro shops, and independent shooting locations. Ranges Mentioned * York County Bowmen [https://yorkcountybowmen.com/](Ontario) * Forest City Archers [https://www.forestcityarchers.ca/] (Thorndale, Ontario) * Features: 64 acres, 40-target outdoor 3D course, open all season. * Salt Spring Archery Society at Jade Farm [https://www.jadefarm.ca/] (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia) * Features: Located on a real farm with 3D courses right by the ocean. * Painted Warriors [https://www.paintedwarriors.ca/] (Mountain View County, Alberta) * Features: Immersive indigenous cultural experience with traditional shooting and hyper-realistic 3D courses. Social Media & Community Groups * York County Bowmen Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/yorkcountybowmen] (Where the connection was first made) * Contact Page: [https://www.archeryrangescanada.ca/contact] Contact Archery Ranges Canada: Report a missing archery range • Update listing information • Claim your facility listing • Premium listing inquiries • Partnership opportunities • Technical support   Keywords/Search: Archery ranges in Canada | Finding Archery clubs near me | Canadian Archery community | Indoor vs Outdoor Archery ranges | Archery range directory Canada | Youth Archery programs Canada | How to support a young Archer | Beginner Archery for kids Canada ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.