The International Testing Agency (ITA) published its 2023 data on its efforts to promote clean sport. Last year, the ITA led independent anti-doping initiatives for more than 65 international sports federations and major event organisers. More than 40,000 samples from over 15,000 athletes were confirmed. 

ITA independently assessed, investigated and processed 485 potential anti-doping rule violations. The data confirms its global leadership, and establishes it as the largest global organisation in the promotion of clean sport. Since its inception in 2018, the ITA has gained ground and expanded its community. 

Respect for the World Anti-Doping Code and independence in anti-doping, according to the ITA, have driven growth. Its development is one of the best tools to implement the anti-doping regulatory framework established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In 2023, the ITA collected over 40,200 urine and blood samples from over 15,200 athletes from over 185 countries. This represents an 8.6% increase in the number of samples collected compared to 2022. It is noteworthy that 54% of these samples were collected out of competition. Of the athletes tested by the ITA, 65% were male and 35% were female. 

The ITA thoroughly investigated all Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) from its testing programme. It also investigated non-analytical findings where results management was delegated by its partners. Of the 485 potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), 168 resulted in sanctions. 19 cases were appealed or heard by a first-instance panel, and 119 are still under review. 

In addition, 922 Whereabouts Failures (cases where Athletes failed to comply with their obligation to provide timely or accurate Whereabouts Filings) were reviewed; 487 were recorded, 98 were referred to the relevant National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) for results management, and 325 were not recorded upon review. 

ITA's work also included assisting and registering more than 50 organisations in their respective WADA compliance assessment procedures. ITA also managed all related Code Compliance Questionnaires (CCQs) on behalf of its partners. It assisted in responding to more than 15,000 CCQ questions and resolved more than 500 corrective actions. It also successfully supported two of its partners, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), through their WADA audit processes.

 The ITA processed more than 41,550 laboratory filings (8.5% more than in 2022) and conducted nearly 6,000 follow-up actions related to the world's largest Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) programme. In 2023, ITA processed 800 Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) applications on behalf of its partners, of which 577 were approved.

It also worked to help athletes make the right choices and to help them comply with WADA's International Standard for Education (ISE). It has contributed to the professionalisation of its staff and has thus registered nearly 1,800 graduates of its training and certification programmes since their creation: the IDCO Training & Certification Programme, the DCO Foundation Training and the International Clean Sport Educator Programme. 

It also works in the area of prevention and in the ITA's Intelligence and Investigations Department, which has seen a 110 per cent increase in the number of suspected doping cases reported compared to 2022.

"What we've achieved in the past year is once again a testament to the ITA team's tremendous efforts, our partners' unwavering trust, and the growing collaborations we've established within the anti-doping community and beyond, including science, academia, intelligence and more," said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. 

However, Cohen admits that there is still a lot of work to be done. The ITA's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is underway. "The ITA will continue to develop and strengthen our initiatives to defend the spirit of clean sport and the importance of independence in anti-doping, and we invite all relevant organisations to join us in this mission," said Cohen. 

Financial health has also improved. Operating income increased by 26.3 million Swiss francs (€27.151 million), the ITA said. Debt was reduced by around one million Swiss francs (€1,032 million). The loss was offset by the funds allocated by the Olympic Movement to support the ITA at its inception.