Athletes can be confident that they will be competing in fair competitions
As athletes prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the International Testing Agency (ITA) are working diligently with National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) to guarantee that fairness and integrity is at the heart of the aquatic competitions.
Through education and collaboration, the AQIU and the ITA are committed to ensuring that all athletes can best prepare for clean competitions as they continue to qualify and prepare for the Olympic Games.
A robust and intelligence-led anti-doping testing programme is underway to ensure that all Aquatics athletes at the Olympic Games have been subject to comprehensive anti-doping tests before their participation.
A close collaboration has been established with the Paris 2024 pre-Games Expert Group to identify potential gaps and all their recommendations have been implemented. Prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the ITA will conduct more than 2,600 anti-doping test attempts on behalf of World Aquatics on aquatics athletes who have qualified. More than 2,000 of these test attempts will be conducted out-of-competition to maximize efficiency and increase deterrence. A particular focus will be put on athletes likely to win a medal and on athletes likely to compete as Neutral Individual Athletes.
A significant portion of the samples collected will be kept for long-term storage and re-analysis at a later stage. Re-analysis provides an additional layer of doping deterrence and widens the detection scope of possible rule violations. As usual, and in an effort of transparency, the AQIU will continue to publish its anti-doping testing statistics on its website here.
Recognising the importance of ensuring appropriate education, encouraging sporting values, and promoting clean sport, the AQIU has initiated a number of comprehensive engagement programmes for athletes, coaches and support personnel alike. From workshops on anti-doping regulations, to e-learning courses and interactive initiatives on the ground, in cooperation with local NADOs at World Aquatics competitions, the AQIU is equipping all stakeholders with the knowledge and tools around anti-doping to uphold integrity in aquatics disciplines.
By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, the AQIU is working to ensure that athletes are deterred from engaging in unethical behaviour, are empowered to make informed choices, and can also educate their fellow athletes, contributing to a culture of clean sport.
As the countdown to Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the AQIU remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in aquatics disciplines. Through education, collaboration and support, the AQIU is taking all necessary steps to contribute to the fairness of the aquatics competitions of the Olympic Games.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said: “Our entire community thanks the diligent work of the AQIU and their collaborative work with the ITA and NADOs in support of our athletes. The testing plan put in place reaffirm our commitment to clean aquatic sport both in Paris and beyond.”
Miguel Cardenal, Chair of the Supervisory Council of the AQIU said: “Aquatics athletes can be confident that we are working tirelessly and putting everything in place to ensure that they will be competing in fair and clean competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.”