WADA Adopts New Drugs Code, Elects Australian to Succeed Dick Pound

Madrid, Spain - November 17, 2007

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has ratifed a tougher set of rules to fight performance-enhancing drugs in sport, during the Third World Conference of Doping in Sport held in the Spanish capital, Madrid. WADA also elected John Fahey, a former finance minister in Australia, to succeed Dick Pound as President. Arne Ljungqvist of Sweden and Chairman of the IOC Medical Commission, was elected WADA Vice-President.

The new international code, which provides for stiffer penalties in aggravated cases and reduced punishments in lesser ones, takes effect January 1, 2009. Among the most significant changes is the rule providing for a four-year suspension for a first doping offense in the event of “aggravating circumstances”, instead of the current two-year ban.

It also includes incentives to alert authorities to doping violations or to admit doping.

“Nobody thinks the code we adopted today is the final word or the perfect way of dealing with it, but it’s a big improvement on what we had” Pound said. “It sends a message to the public that we remain firm in our resolve.”

Top IOC Priority

In an opening address to conference delegates representing athletes, sports organisations and governments, IOC President Jacques Rogge hailed WADA's achievements and called the fight against doping the IOC's 'number one priority'. “The IOC has been a leader in the fight against doping for more than 40 years. We established a Medical Commission in 1967. We developed the first list of prohibited drugs and worked out methods for their detection. We also established a system of sanctions. We accredited drug-testing laboratories”.

The IOC President reminded delegates what the fight against doping is all about. “Let us tackle the challenges and opportunities we face with conviction and a unified voice. Above all, let us never lose sight of why we are here ... to give athletes at all levels the fair chance they deserve. To create an environment that allows champions to shine as role models for children, parents and fans alike. To preserve the integrity - and the very future - of sport.”

WADA Chief Bows Out in Style

WADA President Dick Pound, whose strong and determined leadership and outspoken and sometimes provocative criticism of suspected athletes, professional leagues, sports federations and government policies often put him on the hot seat - joked that he wouldn’t be the only one toasting with a glass of champagne at midnight on December 31, when he formally steps down from the presidency he's held since the agency was created in 1999.

“I expect there may be other glasses of champagne consumed in other quarters of the world at the same time to celebrate my departure from this position,” Pound said.

Looking back over his eight years at the helm, Pound said although WADA had made great strides in the fight against doping, there will always be athletes who try to cheat. “There’s always going to be somebody putting grease on the ball.”

“I leave behind an organization that works, and that has made a difference in the fight against doping in sport. Maybe 100 years from now, people will look back and say, ’Oh my God, wasn’t that primitive — kind of like the drawing in caves that you find.’

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