iNADO applauds the high testing standards of the Milano Cortina 2026 pre-Games anti-doping program
Bonn, 27 February 2026
- Strengthened legislative framework
- Independent experts at the forefront
- Strengthened NADOs as a backbone to clean sport
- No testing number-game
The International Testing Agency (ITA) recently reported the successful pre-Games anti-doping program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which led the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to “commend the organizers for their readiness to deliver an effective anti-doping program for the event”.
“Athletes fall under the jurisdiction of NADOs by their nationality, and of International Federations by their sport participation. It is great to see that coordination and efficient use of the combined qualifications at both ends led to a successful testing strategy”, said Dr. Peter Van de Vliet, iNADO CEO. “The success of this pre-Games anti-doping program, furthermore, is the outcome of continued efforts from all stakeholders involved, especially since being confronted with a state-run doping program following Sochi 2014.”
Changes in rules and regulations
Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations, as well as WADA’s governance, have been systematically revised since 2014. This has led to increased standards, with crucial quality control monitoring in place. And, alongside the continued efforts on the science front, significant progress has been made in intelligence and investigations, which has included harnessing artificial intelligence.
Establishment of the ITA
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), WADA and International Federations (IFs) have taken an important step towards strengthening anti-doping efforts by transferring responsibilities to the ITA, or stand-alone integrity units. The central role of the ITA, on behalf of the IOC, in pre-Games testing ensures checks and balances between national and international (testing) regimens. Additionally, this guarantees a cost-effective program as it issues testing recommendations to be followed up by NADOs and IFs.
Strengthened National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
The expertise and capacity of the NADO community are vital components of the success of all anti-doping efforts. Being the cornerstone of annual testing with over 70% of all samples worldwide, NADOs can react swiftly upon demand and manage higher volumes of testing in short time frames. In fact, NADOs implemented 63% of the pre-Games doping controls for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Over the past years, significant efforts have been made to reinforce independence requirements, NADOs have upscaled their education programs, and made significant strides in investigations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Quality in test planning is more important than quantity in sample collection
A simple „numbers game“ approach has long been criticized for being ineffective, expensive, and not truly indicative of a clean sport environment. It creates a misleading sense of reassurance based on high test volumes that often diminish their efficacy as these tests become predictable. The joint qualifications of the ITA, IFs and NADO experts have allowed for a qualitative, intelligence-driven approach with targeting of tests in line with the WADA Guidelines for Implementing an Effective Testing Program. This involves combining testing with other methods, such as investigations, intelligence gathering, and the use of the Athlete Biological Passport, which helps to identify patterns of doping rather than just the presence of a substance. The outcome is a smart program with optimal use of the available (financial and human) resources.
Never change a winning team
Testing the best athletes is a joint responsibility between IFs and NADOs, who share athlete jurisdiction; thorough collaboration has established a strong system. These tireless efforts pay off: the results demonstrate a high level of engagement across the global anti-doping community, reflect the commitment of NADOs and IFs, and, with 92% of all participating athletes tested in the lead up to Milano Cortina, it should give athletes confidence that robust and coordinated testing measures are in place ahead of the Games. This collaboration also sets the foundations for future Games, further embracing emerging technologies.
Assertions that countries with recognized and effective NADOs possess a national interest to dope is inconsistent with the factual record. The NADO model has proven effective, as has the collaboration with IFs, and the cooperation with an independent testing authority has shown value-added – a winning team. This is not about screening a nation’s own athletes ahead of major international competitions, this is about trust in the system, a system built up by sport and NADO expertise – hand in hand. A system that does not require an overhaul but continued progress, and is – as WADA states – the proof of “the unity and positivity within anti-doping ahead of the Games.”
We congratulate the ITA on their successful coordination and all others involved. Worldwide, progress continues to be made in the field of anti-doping, with a rising tide of harmonization and broader compliance with the set standards.
iNADO is the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations, the international member association of 69 NADOs and RADOs. It promotes best practices by NADOs and RADOs and is their collective international voice.
Contact: Dr. Peter Van de Vliet, CEO, peter.vandevliet@inado.org, +49 170 7077096