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How does the Olympics test for doping and is it good enough?

Measures are in place to prevent athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs at the Olympic Games, but concerns linger over the use of CRISPR to edit genes and even the inhalation of carbon monoxide

By Christa Lesté-Lasserre

30 July 2024

Members of the World Anti-Doping Agency at a press conference for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, on 25 July

Members of the World Anti-Doping Agency at a press conference for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, on 25 July

MAXIM THORE/BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock

With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games well under way, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) aims to ensure that athletes are “clean” – meaning free of all performance-enhancing drugs.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) develops and coordinates anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. For equestrian disciplines, WADA collaborates with the governing body for such sports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). But how are these agencies ensuring clean competition at this year’s games? Here’s what you…

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