WADA shares anti-doping activities during Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

On the eve of the opening ceremony, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to share its activities during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games (Paris 2024). 

WADA President Witold Banka said: “WADA and its partners have been diligently preparing for Paris 2024 for several years. With mere hours left before the official start of the highly anticipated Games, the excitement is palpable. WADA is proud to play its part in this global celebration of sport, and like the rest of the world we are eager to witness the feats of athletic greatness that will take place here in Paris over the next two months.” 

As it normally does during major events, WADA will have Independent Observer (IO) and Athlete Engagement (AE) teams on site at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The IO program is designed to enhance athlete and public confidence as to the quality, effectiveness, and reliability of anti-doping programs during major international multisport events. More details regarding the IO teams at Paris 2024 are available here. 

Chair of WADA’s Olympic Games IO team, Darren Mullaly, said: “I am honored to be part of the Independent Observer team for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The IO team plays a critical role in assessing and ensuring the strength of the anti-doping program at major events. With more than 10,000 athletes participating in the Olympic Games, it is important that all aspects of the anti-doping program are robust and in line with the rules laid out in the World Anti-Doping Code. We look forward to getting to work this week in Paris.” 

Meanwhile, the first entirely athlete-led Athlete Engagement team in the history of WADA’s AE program will be stationed in the Athlete Village delivering the ‘One Play True Team’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about doping-free sport. The Olympic and Paralympic AE teams include representatives from 12 countries across five different continents and are comprised of athlete leaders from various athlete representative bodies. More details regarding the AE teams at Paris 2024 are available here. 

Yesterday, Mr. Bańka delivered a speech to the 142nd IOC Session, and earlier today he was joined by WADA Director General, Olivier Niggli and Mr. Mullaly for a WADA press conference during which they responded to questions from accredited members of the media. 

During their time in Paris, Messrs. Bańka and Niggli will also take the opportunity to meet with athletes and other key stakeholders from the Sport Movement and Governments of the world.