A study based on an anonymous survey of athletes revealed that nearly half of them (49.2%) had not undergone any out-of-competition testing from September 2024 to September 2025. Only 4.4% of respondents were subjected to regular testing (6 to 10 times), while 35.5% did not provide samples even during official tournaments.
The limited capabilities and approach of the International Testing Agency (ITA) contribute to intensified checks being conducted only in Olympic years, while in less risky sports, oversight is almost nonexistent.
Athletes and experts express their concern regarding the unfairness of the current system. Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson noted that a reduction in testing has been observed for several years, with the cost of one test being around 600 euros. Norwegian skier Tiril Udnes Weng emphasized the importance of out-of-competition control, as banned substances are more frequently used during training periods.
Amid all this, restrictions continue for Russian athletes, who are not allowed to participate in international competitions under a neutral flag due to a lack of doping tests, prompting criticism and discussions about double standards in the world of sports.
