Anti Doping, Competition Structure and Regulations, Sponsorship, Number of European Athletes in European meetings, all debated The European Athletics Athletes Commission had a very successful meeting in Birmingham recently along with Marcel Wakim of the European Athletics Competition Department. Co-chaired by Olympic High Jump champion Stefan Holm (SWE) and twice European and World Championship javelin medallist Mikaela Ingberg (FIN) pictured, the athletes discussed a wide and varied selection of topics and already, the indications are that this will be a very productive forum for athletes' voices to be heard at the highest level. Anti Doping: On the issue of Anti-Doping, the Commission is in favour of tougher sanctions for the small minority of athletes who continue to cheat and is very happy about and strongly supports the recent Council decision proposed by President Wirz of banning athletes from major European Athletics events after they have served their sanction. The Commission also recommended fairer treatment for clean athletes, who may not be in a location for out of competition testing. They suggested, for example, better use of mobile phones during surprise out of competition anti-doping test to locate athletes in case they are not at the exact location marked in their whereabouts forms filled in some months earlier. Competition Structure and Regulations: The Athletes Commission is in favour of amending the current structure and modernising the sport. It was agreed that championships every two years is the right way forward and depending on the format of the championships it should be able to compete with other major sport events. However, it was stressed that for all changes and amendments to the present situation, the focus should always be on the athletes. It was agreed by all that only in the right conditions can they perform at their absolute best. Sponsorship: They commission stressed the need for more sponsorship possibilities for athletes (e.g. on clothing) and better utilisation of the free spaces in the stadium (e.g. landing mats and sectors in throwing events). The Commission strongly supports more liberal advertising regulation by IAAF in order to create more opportunities for sponsors. Number of European Athletes in European meetings: The number of non-European athletes at European Athletics meetings shall be clearly regulated. European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz congratulated the athletes on their discussions and assured them that their voices are being listened to at the highest level and the recommendations are strongly in-line with those of the Council. Athletes Commission Members: Jolanda Ceplak (SLO), Stefan Holm (SWE), Mikaela Ingberg (FIN), Ivet Miroslavova Lalova (BUL), Manuel Martinez (ESP), Laurent Ottoz (ITA), Monika Pyrek (POL), Simon Vroemen (NED) European Athletics