According to the 2015 Testing Report published 23 November 2016, august efforts are being made by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to implement more intelligent and effective anti-doping programs within sport organizations and athletic competitions across the world. The report represents the first set of global testing data since the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code came into effect on 1 January 2015.
The recently released 2015 report details several notable facts regarding WADA’s commitment to working towards fair competition and clean sport. Three highlights of these emerged as:
- When comparing 2015 data to 2014 data, there was a 7.1 percent increase in the number of urine, blood, and blood data samples analyzed by WADA-accredited laboratories in 2015.
- The number of positive tests increased from 1.11 percent of overall samples analyzed in 2014 to 1.26 percent in 2015 [Positive tests are instances where the samples tested reveal the presence of banned substances].
- There was a significant rise in testing for prohibited substances such as growth hormones, growth hormone releasing factors, and stimulating agents.
Under the poised and pointed leadership of President Sir Craig Reedie, WADA is making strides toward cleansing the blemish spots that athlete use of performance enhancing drugs has left on internationally sanctioned sporting events such the Olympics. Whereas the sophistication of drug-testing has increased, the implementation of such testing is necessary for the full restoration of the polished shine of Olympic competition. Efforts to this effect, such as those put forward by Sir Craig Reedie and WADA, are worthy of respect, honored recognition, and great appreciation.
Sources:
WADA (2016a). “Wada publishes report.” Available: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/media/news/2016-11/wada-publishes-2015-testing-figures-report
WADA (2016b). “What we do.” Available: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do
By Dr. Rodney J. Blackman
Dr. Blackman is the Chair of Recreation Management at the United States Sports Academy, and can be reached at rblackman@ussa.edu.