144th IOC Session Celebrates Paris 2024’s Commitment to Clean Sport
The 144th IOC Session commended the independent testing program for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlighting its success in promoting clean sport with rigorous testing measures. Dr. Valérie Fourneyron and WADA President Witold Bańka emphasized the collaborative efforts and advancements in the anti-doping framework. The ITA set a new standard for clean sport, and future events will build on these achievements through increased education and unity among stakeholders.
The 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session recently commended the independent testing program established for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, recognizing its effectiveness in promoting clean sport. Dr. Valérie Fourneyron, Chair of the International Testing Agency (ITA), reported that Paris 2024 introduced the most rigorous clean sport initiative, achieving a significant milestone with 90 percent of athletes tested prior to competition, particularly focusing on high-risk sports.
During the Games, over 6,100 samples were collected from competitors representing 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), marking the highest percentage of athlete testing in Olympic history. Dr. Fourneyron emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Organizing Committee and French authorities, which facilitated comprehensive clean sport education for all NOCs to better prepare their athletes and support personnel.
Witold Bańka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), praised the ITA’s efforts alongside international federations in establishing the most robust pre-Games testing program seen to date, setting a standard for future events. The ITA was established in 2018 and received $30 million from the IOC, with an additional $10 million allocated in 2024 to bolster its operations.
Reflecting on the past eight years, Dr. Fourneyron noted that the ITA was formed on the principles of independence and integrity in sport, asserting that clean sport is non-negotiable. Many sports federations have followed the IOC’s example by delegating their anti-doping programs to the ITA, which prioritizes transparency, expertise, and athlete welfare in its activities.
Emphasizing unity, Dr. Fourneyron urged stakeholders—IOC, WADA, and others—to collaborate in progressing toward a stronger anti-doping framework, indicating that future Olympic events will benefit from the anti-doping knowledge gained. WADA’s strategic plan for 2025-2029 aims to finalize the new World Anti-Doping Code to come into effect in 2027, further supporting integrity in sport.
WADA’s Bańka outlined successful outcomes from its Intelligence and Investigations department, which has dismantled numerous illicit operations and seized significant quantities of prohibited substances. He cautioned against the promotion of “Enhanced Games,” advocating that athlete health and integrity should always take precedence. He also highlighted the increasing need for partnerships with the private sector to sustain WADA’s initiatives, reaffirming that fair application of anti-doping rules is essential to ensuring a level playing field in sports globally.
The 144th IOC Session highlighted Paris 2024’s commitment to clean sport through rigorous testing and collaboration among various stakeholders. The successful implementation of the ITA’s independent anti-doping model sets a new standard for future events. With WADA’s ongoing strategies focused on education and international cooperation, the fight against doping is fortified, aiming to uphold the values of sport and athlete integrity. Continued unity is essential in tackling future challenges and ensuring a clean sporting environment.
Original Source: www.thenewsmarket.com
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