The fight against doping is a fight for the protection of the clean athlete, the health of the athlete and the integrity of sport (British Journal of Sports Medicine)

Introduction The consensus document published in this issue of BJSM contributes significantly to the ongoing fight against doping which started some 50 years ago. Following its creation in the 1960s, the IOC Medical Commission developed antidoping rules to be applied at the Olympic Games; these rules were amended before each game. One international federation after the other adopted the IOC rules and modified them specifically for their sport. Also some national sports bodies adopted particular antidoping rules which were, however, country specific. The birth of the World Anti-Doping Agency When antidoping activities accelerated following the Ben Johnson case at the Seoul games in 1988 and following worldwide political changes that took place soon afterwards, it became apparent that the situation and antidoping rules around the world were in chaos. Athletes received different penalties for the same offence depending on sport and their nationality. The antidoping campaign could not...