ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen announced plans to employ biological and performance passports, data analysis, and upgraded software, including potential artificial intelligence, to bolster anti-doping measures for the upcoming Paris Olympics. With 30,000 potentially qualifying athletes being monitored, enhanced cooperation with sports bodies, police, and whistleblowers is integral to their strategy.
In preparation for the Paris Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) plans to utilize advanced technology in its anti-doping efforts. ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen has outlined the agency’s commitment to employing biological and performance passports along with extensive data analysis. Upgraded software, potentially incorporating artificial intelligence, is expected to assist in these efforts.
Established in 2018, the ITA handles anti-doping programs for the Olympics, the Tour de France, and over 65 international organizations. The agency aims to refine its “risk analysis” processes to efficiently identify and monitor athletes using minimal time and resources. Cohen, a Swiss lawyer leading the ITA since its inception, acknowledged the heightened challenges faced in the lead-up to the Paris Games.
The agency confronts the task of monitoring 30,000 potentially qualifying athletes, a figure that narrows to 11,000 participants. Cohen emphasized the elevated risk of doping in the pre-Olympic period, noting that certain practices can yield quick performance enhancements. Enhanced cooperation with sports bodies, police, and contributions from whistleblowers are crucial components of their strategy.
