Paris Olympics anti-doping chiefs to use hi-tech approach in bid to stop potential cheats
- Tools at the agency’s disposal include biological and performance passports as well as other data
In the battle against drug use at the Paris Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) plans to deploy a more streamlined, hi-tech approach to identify and target potential cheats.
Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the ITA, said potential tools at the organisation’s disposal included biological and performance passports as well as a mountain of other data.
Upgraded software – possibly using artificial intelligence – could also help, an investigative unit aided by whistle-blowers was making inroads and increased cooperation with sports bodies and police was bearing fruit.
ITA, which was founded in 2018, runs the anti-doping programme for the Olympics, the Tour de France and “more than 65 international organisations”, Cohen said.
The challenge was to refine the “risk analysis” and identify athletes to monitor using as little time and resources as possible, the Swiss lawyer, who has headed the agency since its creation, added.
The problem is accentuated in the run-up to the Paris Games.
