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24 September 2026
Following the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, held from 21 August to 3 September 2026 in Taranto, Italy, the ITA is sharing the key outcomes of the anti-doping program delivered on behalf of the ICMG.
The program brought together risk-based testing, clean sport education, Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) services, intelligence and investigations support and operational oversight, with the protection of athletes and the integrity of competition at its centre.
A total of 468 samples were collected from 400 athletes across 28 sports.
The testing strategy was based on a sport-specific risk assessment and a dedicated Test Distribution Plan developed by the ITA to ensure targeted and proportionate testing across the Mediterranean Games program. Athletics and aquatics accounted for the highest testing volumes, in line with this risk-based approach.
The testing program also included out-of-competition testing, strengthening the overall approach to protecting clean sport at the Games.
Alongside testing, the ITA implemented a dedicated clean sport education program for athletes and Athlete Support Personnel before and during the Games.
Ahead of Taranto 2026, dedicated webinars provided athletes and their support personnel with practical information on anti-doping rules and procedures, TUEs, and their rights and responsibilities. The athlete-focused webinar attracted 319 participants, while 161 participants attended the session dedicated to Athlete Support Personnel.
During the Games, clean sport education continued on site through a dedicated education booth and direct engagement with athletes and their entourages, providing participants with access to anti-doping information and expert guidance.
The ITA worked closely with NADO Italia on the preparation and delivery of these education activities and thanks the organisation for its valuable contribution to engaging athletes and Athlete Support Personnel both ahead of and during Taranto 2026.
The delivery of the wider anti-doping program was made possible through close cooperation between the ITA, the ICMG, the Taranto 2026 Organising Committee and the different organisations and experts supporting Games-time operations, including International Federations, National Olympic Committees and the WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratory in Rome.
By bringing together testing, education, athlete support and operational coordination within an integrated framework, the program contributed to protecting the integrity of competition and supporting clean sport across the Mediterranean Games community.
The conclusion of Taranto 2026 also provides an opportunity to review the delivery of the program and identify lessons that can further strengthen anti-doping operations at future ICMG events. Areas identified for continued development include venue readiness, access to athlete-location information, workforce planning and operational coordination.
The experience gained in Taranto builds on the cooperation between the ITA and ICMG initiated at the Mediterranean Beach Games in Crete and forms part of the organisations’ longer-term collaboration on clean sport.
The ITA and ICMG will continue their cooperation at upcoming ICMG events, including the Mediterranean Beach Games in Portimão and Lagoa and the XXI Mediterranean Games in Pristina, with the aim of ensuring consistent, independent and athlete-centred anti-doping programs across the Mediterranean sports movement.
