MADRID, Spain, November 20. AFTER eight years as the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound introduced his successor over the weekend, Australia's John Fahey. Pound's resignation officially takes effect on Jan. 1, with Fahey immediately assuming the position's responsibilities. Prior to the vote selecting Fahey as the next president, European challengers to Fahey put forth Guy Drut as a contender.
The challenge by the European contingent, however, was brushed aside and Fahey was the only candidate for the post. He was elected through a show-of-hands vote, although a quarter of European delegates abstained from the process. European nations, however, indicated that they will continue to support WADA on a financial level. A tougher code will go into effect Jan. 1, with heavier penalties for doping violations.
"I leave behind an organization that works, and that has made a difference in the fight against doping in sport," Pound said. "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.' But a least it was a start. You had to make a start and I think the start has been good."