Reedie Ready to Step Up Doping Fight if Chosen as WADA Chief

(ATR) Britain’s Craig Reedie tells Around the Rings he is well-equipped to lead the World Anti-Doping Agency if he becomes the IOC’s nomination to replace John Fahey when he steps down later this year.

The 72-year-old is favorite to secure the IOC’s backing, having served on WADA’s Foundation Board and Executive Committee since the organization’s formation in 1999. He currently serves as chairman of WADA’s finance and administration committee.

But Patrick Schamasch, the IOC’s former medical and scientific director, stands in his way. The Frenchman confirmed to ATR at SportAccord last week that he will challenge Reedie for the WADA presidency.

WADA's presidency – a volunteer position – alternates between the sports world and governments, which help fund the agency’s work. After the reign of Fahey, a former federal minister for finance in Australia who took up the WADA presidency in 2007, it is the turn of the IOC to make its pick.

Reedie, a former chairman of the British Olympic Association, told ATR he would call on the experience and knowledge he had gathered in various roles at WADA over 14 years, as well as his involvement with the World Badminton Federation over many years.

"I listen very carefully to the observations of the IFs, much of which should be implemented. I know how to dothis," he told ATR.

"The IOC is aware that I am prepared to do this and I am in their hands."

The IOC Executive Board will assess the candidates for the WADA presidency at its August meeting in Moscow on the sidelines of the IAAF world athletics championships.

Reedie praised Fahey’s work as WADA chief.

"John has been a very consensual president," he said, without mention of the recent battles the outspoken Fahey has had with cycling federation president Pat McQuaid in the fall-out from the Lance Armstrong doping revelations.

"There have been issues over communication with IFs," Reedie added. "I would hope that being much closer to Lausanne and coming from the world of sport that I could deal with these communication issues."

The new WADA president will be ratified at the fourth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Johannesburg Nov. 12-15. During the meeting, a revised version of the WADA Code will be endorsed by WADA’s Foundation Board.

Reedie said the Code review process is "an outstanding example of the cooperation across the world from the sporting movement to the governments."

"I think we will present a code that is clear and perhaps fairer and will be accepted by everyone in Johannesburg."