ABSTRACT
The anti-doping programme led by WADA is clearly skewed against non-elite athletes from developing countries. The revision of the 2021 WADA Code does not raise much hope for change, as no effort has been made to contextualize the applicability of strict liability norms. Unless all stakeholders agree to have a completely independent person in charge of WADA, there is little prospect for improvement. WADA is the flag-bearer of the anti-doping movement and seeks to re-affirm the spirit-of-sport argument. However, unless the implementation of the rules is done with transparency, WADA’s legitimacy is going to be questioned. The impunity with which elite stars of the sports world have been able to benefit from the WADA-run system does not augur well for non-elite athletes. WADA must develop the capabilities of non-elite athletes. For WADA to be fit for the purpose the voices of non-elite athletes must be heard.
