By Terin Frodyma on SwimSwam
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has discussed the potential need for independent testing during ‘major events’, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games and World Championship events.
According to a WADA report, the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of the host country would not be involved in test distribution plans, athlete selection for testing, results management, or certain aspects of sample collection. Instead, that would be the responsibility of an independent body, which, in theory, removes “the possibility of an actual or perceived conflict of interest or bias.”
The independent process is the “preferred model” currently used for the Olympic Games, while the Working Group on the Operational Independence of National Anti-Doping Organizations (WGOI) suggests it should be used for other major championships as well.
Though host NADOs would have limited involvement in these major events, they would still play a role in other areas, including logistical support, coordination with law enforcement for intelligence and investigations, and the delivery of on-site education programs, as referenced in the WADA report.
In that same report, WADA President Witold Bańka shared her support for the change, and feels that it will be “beneficial for the integrity of and trust in the system that major events will be protected in this way and insulated from allegations of bias – whether justified or not – by the host country.”
“I welcome the ExCo’s positive discussion today on the recommendations by the Working Group on NADO Operational Independence. It will be beneficial for the integrity of and trust in the system that major events will be protected in this way and insulated from allegations of bias – whether justified or not – by the host country. We have seen in the past how some major events and therefore athletes have been damaged because of a lack of oversight and independence in the delivery of the anti-doping program. Putting in place an entirely independent process will help avoid a repeat occurrence and will ensure equal treatment for all athletes, regardless of their nationality.”
“Even as our world becomes more divided and insecure, sport still has the power to unite nations and bring together people from all over the globe in a spirit of respect and trust – but only clean sport. Athletes of the world deserve to know that when they compete in a major event, they are subject to the same treatment as their fellow athletes from the host country. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. A truly independent testing program, removed from any suggestion of political interference or national bias, will help deliver the confidence those athletes require.”
In response, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) released a statement from CEO Travis T. Tygart, stating that this change is a “dangerous step backwards and risks compromising the fairness of major events.”
The full statement can be read below.
“WADA leaders’ intent to push aside truly independent National Anti-Doping Organizations and hand control back to sport and sport service providers at major events is a dangerous step backwards and risks compromising the fairness of major events and athletes’ right to fair competition. Dressing this up as progress is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of clean athletes, fans, and the public who deserve real independence, real accountability, and a system that protects them—not one that protects sport from scrutiny and the global anti-doping watchdog from accountability. As noted in the recent open letter from the White House ONDCP (Office of National Drug Control Policy) Director Sara Carter, this is of particular importance with the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the United States in 2028.
For this to be the response to WADA’s and World Aquatics’ failure to enforce the mandatory rules in the 23 Chinese swimming cases is another slap in the face by WADA leadership to all athletes who commit to competing clean and nations that enforce the rules consistently and fairly.”
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