(ATR) The World Anti-Doping Agency is analyzing its position within the Olympic Movement as doping scandals fester ahead of the Rio Olympics.
At the WADA Foundation Board meeting in Montreal on May 12, the agency made progress towards the establishment of an independent testing authority. But WADA members and athletes alike expressed concerns that not enough is being done to punish those found in violation of the anti-doping code.
"We understand fully that, in the current climate, with new doping allegations surfacing, we have work to do to further secure athletes’ confidence in clean sport," said WADA president Craig Reedie. "We appreciate the sense of urgency in light of the upcoming Rio Games and I can assure you that we take this responsibility very seriously."
The board has also closely monitored the doping programs in Andorra, Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, France, Greece, Israel, Kenya and Ukraine since the last Foundation Board meeting in November.
The programs of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Israel and Ukraine have been removed from the list of non-compliant countries, while Belgium, Brazil, France and Greece have been taken off WADA’s watch list.
Kenya’s anti-doping program was declared non-compliant by WADA at the meeting despite the country passing new anti-doping laws before the required deadline. WADA officials say that WADA had approved certain legislation that would make the country code compliant but that changes were made in the Kenyan legislative process before the new bill was passed. WADA says the changes are unsatisfactory with its anti-doping code.
WADA director general David Howman also attended his last Foundation Board meeting after working for the agency for the past 13 years. WADA played a video tribute to Howman that brought a large smile and even a few tears to his face.
Click here for photos from the event.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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