Drug Testing, Olympic Athletes (Overview)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) began its fight against Olympic athletes’ drug use in the 1960s. The IOC describes its anti-doping activity as a top priority and maintains it has a zero-tolerance policy to combat cheating and to punish anyone who uses or provides doping products. IOC collaborates with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which was created in 1999 under the IOC’s initiative. WADA is supported by intergovernmental organizations, governments, public agencies, and private organizations.

Since 1999, the IOC has increased the number of drug tests it has conducted, from 2,359 in 2000 (Sydney Olympics) to 5,051 in 2012 (London Olympics). The IOC relies on the support and expertise of government authorities. It has sanctioned athletes found guilty of doping and others who have participated in ...