The 144th IOC Session acknowledged Paris 2024 for its landmark clean sport program set by the ITA. Dr. Valérie Fourneyron revealed that 90% of athletes were tested pre-Games, leading to over 6,100 samples collected during the event. WADA President Witold Bańka lauded collaborative efforts, while the ITA emphasized independence and the need for continuity in anti-doping efforts. Moving forward, a Global Anti-Doping Intelligence Network will be developed by WADA to enhance the fight against doping.

The 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session recognized the effective independent testing program established for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Dr. Valérie Fourneyron, Chair of the International Testing Agency (ITA), noted that Paris 2024 set a new benchmark with the most stringent clean sport initiative in history. Pre-Games strategies led to 90 percent of athletes being tested prior to competition, particularly focusing on high-risk sports and delegations.

A historical record was established during the Games, with over 6,100 samples collected from competitors associated with 200 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team. Dr. Fourneyron emphasized that guidance was provided to all National Olympic Committees regarding clean sport education, enabling proper preparation of athletes and support personnel, maintaining the integrity of sport.

WADA President Witold Bańka commended the collaborative efforts of the ITA, international federations, and anti-doping organizations leading up to the Paris 2024 Games. He affirmed that this program marked the most comprehensive pre-Games testing in Olympic history, setting a standard for future events, including upcoming ones in 2026.

The ITA was founded in 2018 with initial funding of USD 30 million from the IOC. A new allocation of USD 10 million has been designated to support the agency’s development through 2028. Dr. Fourneyron reflected on the achievements of the past eight years, which were guided by Olympic Agenda 2020, signaling a shift in anti-doping methods aimed at protecting athletes and upholding the sport’s integrity.

Dr. Fourneyron articulated the ITA’s crucial role in establishing an independent anti-doping approach and how many international federations have followed the IOC’s example by delegating their anti-doping programs to the ITA. She highlighted that the guiding principles were expertise, transparency, and unwavering focus on athletes’ needs.

Looking ahead, Dr. Fourneyron urged for unity among the IOC, international sports community, WADA, public authorities, and private stakeholders to foster clean sport initiatives. The strategic roadmap laid out aims to enhance anti-doping efforts in forthcoming events, significantly at Paris 2024, Milano-Cortina, Dakar, Riyadh, and Los Angeles.

Witold Bańka acknowledged President Bach’s contributions to anti-doping policy throughout his IOC presidency, highlighting the importance of clean sport. He updated on WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations department which has successfully undertaken significant operations since its inception in 2017, deterring doping-related activities.

The establishment of a Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network is underway, set to be completed by 2029. Bańka emphasized the importance of upholding the values of clean sport and expressed concern regarding the notion of “Enhanced Games”, underscoring its potential risks to athletes.

WADA’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 details crucial milestones including the implementation of a new World Anti-Doping Code and ensuring athlete awareness around doping risks. Bańka noted that partnerships are essential in combating doping and emphasized WADA’s commitment to transparency and equality in applying anti-doping regulations across all sports and nations.

The IOC Session underscored the significance of a robust anti-doping framework for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as illustrated by the achievements of the ITA and the cooperative efforts leading to a historic number of athlete tests. The successful initiatives and future collaborations aim to further enhance clean sport, providing guidance and education to all stakeholders. WADA’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships and ensuring athlete safety highlights the importance of integrity in sports as the Olympic Games approach.

Original Source: www.olympics.com

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