Last month I had the privilege of attending the eighth annual Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (ADIIN) meeting in Montreal, Canada. This significant gathering brought together experts from National Anti-Doping Organizations, International Federations, the International Testing Agency, and others, marking a vital step forward in our collective endeavour to uphold the integrity of sports.

This year, the BIU was one of only two organisations representing International Federations, emphasising the importance of our role. Our involvement in such gatherings is not just symbolic but essential, as it demonstrates our commitment to collaborative efforts to combat anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs), including sample manipulation. The inclusion of integrity professionals from both the International Biathlon Union and World Athletics also provided voices to reflect the perspective of an International Federation.

The discussions, led by WADA’s Intelligence & Investigations Department, were instrumental in advancing strategies to tackle the various challenges presented by those intent on doping in sport. By being part of these conversations, the BIU aims to help shape policies and best practices that will define the anti-doping landscape in the years ahead.

Nicolas Jan, a Swiss forensic scientist and friend of the BIU, was among those attending this year’s session. Forensic science is continually evolving and it was great to discuss evidence collection opportunities and how we can increase our use of forensic science services in our work. These are an absolute must when looking for evidence in what we refer to as ‘non-analytical’ doping cases.

A ‘non-analytical’ doping case occurs when an athlete is suspected of using banned substances without a failed (positive) drug test. Instead, evidence is collected by other means, for example, documents or testimonies that may indicate and ultimately prove doping.

Involvement in the ADIIN meeting reflects the BIU’s dedication to fostering a clean and fair sporting environment for athletes worldwide. The collaboration across different organizations reinforces our commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports and protecting the rights of those who compete fairly.

It is crucial that the BIU continues to engage with such networks, as they are at the forefront of combating doping in sports, and our participation helps bolster the global effort to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

If you have any questions or comments about our work or if you would just like to find out a bit more about anything integrity-, wellbeing- or governance-related, please do make contact.

Greg McKenna is Head of the Biathlon Integrity Unit

Email: greg.mckenna@biathlonintegrity.com

Phone: +43 662 85 50 50 16