The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president, though widely criticized globally and particularly in the United States, commands significant institutional influence, thanks to unwavering support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This support includes advocating for financial contributions from national federations.
As 2024 concludes, Witold Banka ends a challenging year with some notable positives, particularly the unequivocal and highly publicized backing of the IOC, regarded as the most powerful organization in sports. While such support isn’t unprecedented, it remains far from guaranteed in the politically sensitive world of international sports, especially with the IOC elections scheduled for March 2025 during its 144th Congress in Athens, Greece.
With Thomas Bach’s 12-year presidency concluding next June, questions arise about whether the incoming IOC president will offer WADA and Banka the same level of support that Bach, a former Olympic fencer, demonstrated throughout his tenure. Recent months have been turbulent for WADA, notably after reports by The New York Times and German broadcaster ARD in April alleged that 23 positive drug tests from China’s swimming team were mishandled before the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
Although WADA, alongside the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency, defended its actions, the revelations sparked significant backlash, particularly in North America. Critics included officials, current and former athletes, and U.S. Congress members, following remarks from Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), who labeled the incident “a potential cover-up.”
Despite the controversy, Bach remained steadfast in his support for WADA and its Polish president. “They are the supreme authority and have our full support,” Bach stated in August during the Paris Summer Olympics. During the same event, he announced that Salt Lake City, Utah, would host the 2034 Winter Olympics—a controversial decision linked to certain conditions. Among these was a demand for local critics to ease their opposition to WADA, with a warning that failure to comply could risk losing the Games altogether.
This show of support from Bach was a timely boost for Banka, especially as the IOC prepares for its leadership transition. Seven candidates have since announced their intention to vie for the top position in March: Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics; Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports and a former Olympic swimmer; Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation; Juan Antonio Samaranch, son of a former IOC president; David Lappartient, head of international cycling; Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan; and Johan Eliasch, a recent addition to the Olympic movement as a businessman.
