Bach Wants "Change in Mentality" on Doping -- On-the-Scene

(ATR) IOC president Thomas Bach called for a "change in mentality" with regards to the fight against doping.

Bach made the comments as part of his opening address to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s World Conference on Doping in Sport in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

"We should not extrapolate the cost of a positive test from the cost of all the tests carried out," he said, explaining one area where a new outlook is needed.

"We should not then argue that one positive test costs several hundred thousand dollars.That would be like saying a terrorist attack at an airport costs us so many millions of dollars."

He added, "The fight against doping is like security measures. It is also about deterrence and prevention. Our security measures, and so our tests, must be still improved more.

"Tests are not an end to themselves," Bach said, calling for a better exchange of information with all stakeholders, and for governments to improve their cooperation to help stop doping.

Bach also urged WADA to adopt the proposed changes to the Code, including a provision to increase the sanction in "regular cases" from two to four years.

The new IOC president called for more funding for research.

"Is it not time to find out, for example, if blood and urine tests are really the best" he asked delegates, highlighting one area where anti-doping research might find new benefits. "Might there be other testing methods which are even more reliable?"

Even with a change in mentality, he said "the ultimate goal" of both WADA and the IOC remains to protect clean athletes.

Sochi 2014 Featuring "Smarter and Tougher" Anti-Doping Measures

Bach said the upcoming Winter Olympics will have a "smarter and tougher" anti-doping policy than any previous Games.The main focus will be a record number of tests.

"We shall perform these tests anywhere in the world," Bach said.

"We will improve our anti-doping system with regard to both quantity and quality."

The IOC will conduct 1,269 pre-Games drug tests, up from 804 for Vancouver, and 2,453 tests will be conducted during the Games. In Vancouver, 2,149 drug test were taken during the Games. A "special focus" will be placed on team sports, Bach added. A total of $1 million will be spent conducting pre-Games tests.

Following the Games, the IOC will keep all samples for at least eight years for retesting. That period could be extended if WADA adopts its new Code this Friday.

Anti-Doping an "Investment"

The IOC is prepared to spend millions on various anti-doping efforts Bach said, but the IOC is happy to do so.

"Many millions of dollars" he said will go toward building labs and running services alone

"To be very clear: these millions of dollars are not expenses," he said.

"They are investment into the future of our sport. The future of our sport greatly depends on the success of our efforts. All these measures have to serve to protect the clean athletes. We want to ensure a fair competition.

"The IOC’s determination does not end with the closing ceremony of the Sochi games."

Bach said he would propose "further measures" to fight doping at upcoming IOC Executive Board meetings and the Session before the Sochi Olympics.

Fahey: We Must Evolve

WADA president John Fahey said that the agency must continue to evolve.

"There is no room for complacency," he told stakeholders.

Fahey called on all present to strengthen efforts in the fight against doping.

"Support the rule that will best serve the young people of all nations throughout the world," he said.

"This week, we have a chance to enhance the inherent quality of sport which is enshrined in the concept of fair play."

Written by Ed Hula III.

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