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≡ INDEP. OBSERVERS REPORT ≡
The World Anti-Doping Agency published its 80-page Independent Observers Report for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which saw 4,154 of the 11,408 athletes (36.4%) at the Games tested.
Of these 530 were tested more than once, and across all tests, there were 12 positives reported. Four resulted in bans of 2-4 years, six cases were dismissed for lack of evidence or a Therapeutic Use Exemption in place, one resulted only in a disqualification and one case is still pending.
The six-member observation team made 71 recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of the doping control program and the coordination of the program on-site. The continuously-repeated problems of a one-time event with staffing, communications, training and coordination with other functions – such as access control, sports and press operations – were present in Paris. Typically:
● “During the Paris Games the [observer] Team observed frequent issues with the location and efficiency of notification zones within venues. This was sometimes caused by sport specific protocols being observed that hindered athlete flows and effective notification of athletes.”
● “The [observer] Team note that key staff in Paris 2024 were hired (in our view) later in the process and despite their dedication and determination the anti-doping program experienced too many logistical issues. These logistical issues make the jobs of sample collection personnel significantly more difficult. At worst, they can jeopardize the careers of athletes if the processes can not be completed properly.”
● “It is perhaps inevitable that to deliver an anti-doping program of the size of the Paris Games, local organizing committees must recruit and rely on a large volunteer workforce to act as ‘chaperones’ during doping control missions.
“Despite often valiant attempts, the [observer] Team is of the view that there were too many issues regarding insufficient numbers of chaperones or those that were appointed who were unsuitable for the role. Specifically, too few numbers of total chaperones were available, there were issues caused by volunteers not turning up for shifts or an incorrect gender mix of chaperones being sent to venues. Issues of limited accreditation hindered a fast response and ability to re-task chaperones between different competition venues.”
In general, the observers were quite impressed by the professionalism of the International Testing Agency staff and of the laboratory work done for the Paris Games.
The report paid special tributes to the Doping Control Officers (DCOs) who directed the on-site program efforts, and, of course, the athletes:
“No sample collection is rarely the same and the success of the entire program hinges on the work of the DCOs. The DCOs were a group of international experts in their field. They perform under pressure and are the real heroes of the anti-doping program. We understand that it is difficult to have WADA IO Team members watching your every move during sample collection sessions. We were honoured to have worked so closely with all of you.
“Your professionalism, attention to detail and dedication to delivering the largest part of the anti-doping program needs special mention. These team members work incredibly long hours, often have to wait for transport to get back to their hotels at all hours of the evening/morning, deal with every kind of logistical issue imaginable, and are generally tired, thirsty and hungry. Continually through the Paris Games we witnessed your professionalism and dedication. You all did such a great job in protecting the integrity of the sample collection processes. Thank you all for doing an outstanding job, for your sense of humour and your incredible dedication and hard work.
“Lastly, but certainly not least, are the group of people who are the reason that we do what we do: the athletes of the Paris Games. We witnessed elation and heartbreak in equal measure. Despite the annoyance of having to interrupt your training, plans or post-event celebrations to sit in a [Doping Control Station] waiting room, you treated the anti-doping staff and [observer] Team members with grace and generosity. We thank you for your part in protecting the integrity of sport and ensuring the anti-doping program could be delivered.”
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