The ITA is the product of a united goal to fight doping, protect clean sport and support International Federations, Major Event Organisers and other anti-doping organisations in implementing independent and state-of-the-art anti-doping programmes. Our journey started in December 2014 but our planned destination is just beginning…
December
Recommendation 15 the Olympic Agenda 2020 calls for the protection of clean athletes, noting that novel approaches are needed from all stakeholders.
October
At the 4th Olympic Summit, it is agreed that a unified approach to ensure anti-doping testing is independent from sports organisations is required.
A WADA working group, composed of representatives from both the Olympic Movement and public authorities, is established.
November
WADA’s Foundation Board unanimously agrees to explore the proposal by the IOC to make anti-doping independent from sports organisations.
May
The WADA working group is tasked with outlining an initial feasibility study that would detail how this authority could be set up and run.
In parallel, an ITA Policy Steering Group, consisting of representatives from the world of sports, public authorities and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), chaired by Dr. Valérie Fourneyron, is established by WADA.
August
The IOC Session in Rio unanimously supports making anti-doping independent from sports organisations.
May
WADA’s Foundation Board approves the recommendations of the ITA Policy Steering Group concerning the structure and process of establishing the ITA. In particular, the ITA Policy Steering Group recommends the IOC to be the founding body of the ITA.
October
WADA’s Executive Committee approves the membership of the ITA Foundation Board.
January
The ITA is officially established by the IOC as an independent, not-for-profit foundation under Swiss law and holds its first Foundation Board meeting.
February
The Doping-Free Sport Unit (DFSU) of the Global Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF) is called upon to form the operational nucleus of the ITA and to operate the anti-doping programme at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.
During the Games, the ITA Foundation Board confirms the appointment of its first Director General.
July
The ITA becomes fully operational.