The International Testing Agency (ITA)  will be intensifying its out-of-competition (OOC) testing strategy as the Olympics draw closer in Tokyo.

The ITA is working with FINA on a continued testing plan to try to provide safety for all athletes and those involved in the games.

Because of the Olympics falling approximately half way through the year, the testing program has been divided into two halves, pre-Games and post-Games, according to FINA.

Obviously, the majority of FINA’s OOC doping control program is focused on the pre-Olympics period because of the increased doping risk that comes with hosting the Olympics.

According to FINA:

The ITA will be collecting approximately 3,200 samples during the pre-Games testing period (number can vary depending on the rapidly-evolving sanitary situation). Reinforced controls are being implemented ahead of the remaining Olympic qualification events (diving, artistic swimming, open water), National Olympic Trials (swimming) and ahead of the Olympic Games itself.  

Because of the volume of competing athletes, the ITA pre-Games Expert Group, on which FINA Bureau Member Dr. Margo Mountjoy sits, have issued a large number of testing recommendations specifically tailored towards the aquatic disciplines. Meeting the recommendations is a combined effort between FINA and the athlete’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO), therefore collaboration is key. The ITA has already started liaising with NADOs to implement a collaborative testing programme that aims at fulfilling the pre-games testing recommendations for targeted athletes.

The ITA is ensuring the volume of additional  analysis conducted meets the requirements set out by WADA.