Each year, around 1 October, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes a new Prohibited List – its list of what substances and methods are banned in international sport. This is following a rigorous review process in which WADA and its stakeholders identify any substances and methods that should be added or removed from the List, as well as if any categories need to be modified or clarified.

The new List and 2021 World Anti-Doping Code come into force on 1 January 2021, so, irrespective of whether you are an athlete, coach, doctor, physio, or anyone else affected by the international anti-doping rules, it is essential you are aware of the changes to the List.

You can find the full 2021 Prohibited List on WADA’s website. To help highlight and explain the changes, WADA has also published its Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

As the new organisation protecting the integrity of biathlon, we are here to provide guidance and help you with any questions you may have surrounding the List and the Code.

If you have any concerns about the prohibited status of your medications and their ingredients, we advise that you speak to your national anti-doping organization (NADO). And whilst we cannot provide advice on specific supplements and whether they contain banned substances – we can only advise on the risks – you may wish to use a risk minimisation programme recommended by your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO).

Don’t forget, to learn more about the main changes to the 2021 Prohibited List, visit WADA’s Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU) team at: info@biathlonintegrity.com