The 2024 Annual Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took place last week in Lausanne, Switzerland. The event gathered more than 1,100 participants from the global anti-doping community, under this year’s theme: ‘One Mission – One Team’.

Among the attendees was FAI Anti-Doping Manager Kamila Vokoun Hájková who shared her insights from attending the event:

What are the benefits of participating in the WADA symposium?

I believe that the WADA symposium offers an excellent opportunity for us to stay abreast of the latest developments in this dynamic field. It also serves as a platform for meaningful connections and the exchange of knowledge and experiences with fellow Anti-Doping Organisations, all with the goal of strengthening our Fly Clean campaign.

Engaging with National Anti-Doping Organisations has been particularly useful for establishing potential collaborations in educating national-level competitors and providing on-site education at FAI-sanctioned events. Such an initiative was successfully introduced by FAI last year at the FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Slovakia, and we want to explore the possibility of expanding it in the future.

What did you find particularly interesting?

Exchanging experiences with International Federations that target similar groups as FAI was extremely useful. I particularly valued meeting colleagues from the automobile and motorcycle sports federation. We were able to discuss the shared challenges we encounter, our past actions, and how we can further enhance our responses in the future. I believe this type of exchange will help us ensure that our Fly Clean campaign and the efforts of the FAI Medico-Physiological Commission (CIMP) in educating FAI stakeholders via webinars remain relevant as WADA regulations and our sports continue to evolve.

What are the main takeaways?

WADA has adopted the International Olympic Committee's "Stronger Together" approach to emphasise the significance of teamwork and cooperation. In line with this, at FAI, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with WADA, our counterparts worldwide, and our air sports competitors.

FAI Fly Clean campaign

The FAI adopted the World Anti-Doping Code in 2003, which allows FAI sports and National Air Sports Controls (NACs) to be eligible for official government support and subsidies, and grants them the privilege of hosting FAI World Championships.

In line with this commitment, the FAI operates the “Fly Clean” campaign, which is dedicated to upholding the integrity of our air sports and providing education and support to athletes, their teams, event organisers, and other officials.