Sports: WADA seeks to redefine role

MONTREAL: The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has sought to redefine its role as a sports watchdog in the wake of robust allegations of a doping conspiracy involving cyclist Lance Armstrong and has proposed doubling bans for athletes caught using performance-enhancing drugs. At a weekend gathering in Montreal, Wada reviewed a draft code that would slap a four-year ban on anyone convicted of using anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and masking agents or trafficking in these substances. The code, which would also give the anti-doping agency powers of investigation, will be finalised next year and take effect in 2015. “There is a desire to increase penalties, to increase sanctions,” said the Wada chairman. “And if you look at that the four-year (penalty), it certainly invariably will take out somebody competing at the next Olympics once it’s imposed on someone.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2012.