Sports
Trail Running at the Olympics: Growth and Doping Challenges
Sidney Togumi and Depa analyze the potential Olympic debut at Brisbane 2032 and the rise of anti-doping testing in the sport.
The potential inclusion of trail running at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games could accelerate the sport's global growth. On Stemma Na Trilha, Sidney Togumi and Depa explore opportunities for the next generation and ethical challenges arising from professionalization and rising prize money.
The debate over including trail running in the Olympic Games is gaining momentum internationally, with all eyes on a potential debut at Brisbane 2032. On Stemma Na Trilha, host Sidney Togumi and Spanish commentator Depa discussed the impact Olympic status could bring to the sport, highlighting both its growth potential and the ethical challenges tied to professionalization.
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Opportunities for the next generation
For Depa, joining the Olympic program would be a game-changer for the sport, particularly for younger runners. While emphasizing the need to preserve the essence and spirit of mountain running, he points out that Olympic visibility drives exponential growth, providing funding and infrastructure for up-and-coming high-performance athletes.
Professionalization and the doping debate
The sport's growth and definitive shift toward high-performance athletics also demand stricter testing controls. Sidney Togumi highlighted that recent initiatives are already testing the waters, citing 30 anti-doping controls conducted at an independent race outside national championships—an unprecedented move that is set to become increasingly common.
When analyzing doping risks, Depa noted that rising financial rewards—with runners advancing from modest earnings to contracts worth $60,000 to $100,000 or more—naturally bring risks common to any professional sport. According to the commentator, while the spirit of trail running lives in its community, any sport will always have a minority tempted to cut corners for results. However, he believes the risk remains minimal and manageable, aided by constant advancements in detection methods.
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