The journey to the Youth Olympic Games is built on more than training sessions, personal bests, and medal dreams. For hundreds of young athletes, it also represents their first encounter with responsibilities that will accompany them throughout their careers, including a commitment to fair play and an understanding of anti-doping rules. With this goal in mind, the International Testing Agency (ITA) has introduced an educational guide designed to prepare athletes, coaches, and support personnel for Dakar 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this resource is primarily aimed at National Olympic Committees, which are responsible for educating their delegations ahead of major competitions. More than a technical document, the guide seeks to provide confidence and reassurance to young athletes, helping them understand the anti-doping process and approach this new stage with clear and accessible information.
Educating Before Competing
This initiative is based on a principle promoted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): an athlete’s first experience with anti-doping should come through education rather than testing. This concept is especially important at the Youth Olympic Games, where many participants will experience the environment of a multi-sport event for the first time and encounter rules that will shape their future careers.
Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the ITA, emphasized that the goal is for every athlete to arrive at Dakar 2026 informed, prepared, and empowered. He explained that understanding how anti-doping controls work not only reduces uncertainty, but also reinforces the values of integrity and fair play that underpin sport. For many teenagers, this education can become a decisive tool for making responsible decisions throughout their sporting journey.
Tools to Support Young Athletes
The guide is available to all organizations involved in clean sport education, reinforcing the importance of cooperation among National Olympic Committees, National Anti-Doping Organizations, and medical teams. In addition, the ITA will host an interactive webinar on August 26, where athletes will be able to ask questions and gain practical insight into what to expect before and during the Games.
The educational process is complemented by the “Mastering Your Sports Journey” course on Athlete365 and by the anti-doping module available on ADEL, WADA’s learning platform, offered in 24 languages. During the Games, the ITA Education Ambassadors will be present in the Athlete365 space within the Youth Olympic Village, where athletes and their entourages will be able to take part in interactive activities, ask questions, and share experiences centered on the values that protect the essence of sport.
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