WADA launches e-learning course for athletes and coaches aiming to attend the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Testing Agency (ITA), are pleased to launch the ADEL for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 e-learning course, which is designed to support athletes and coaches to participate in line with anti-doping rules and protect the integrity of the Games.  

This collaboration is in line with the International Standard for Education (ISE) by ensuring that athletes and coaches have access to pre-event education specifically related to the anti-doping program of the Games. 

The course has been updated based on athlete and user feedback and is available on WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) in English, French, and Spanish (with additional languages available upon request¹). Those taking the course will have the opportunity to learn about the anti-doping rules and procedures such as in- and out-of-competition timelines, the doping control process, how to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), what Whereabouts information may need to be provided and for athletes, what their rights and responsibilities are.   

Having access to event-specific education in advance of the Games is a key principle of the ISE which seeks to protect athletes and their support personnel through education. WADA, the IOC, and the ITA strongly recommend that National Olympic Committees partner and collaborate with National Anti-Doping Organizations and national federations to ensure athletes and coaches complete the course before arriving at the Games.  

Amanda Hudson, WADA’s Director of Education, said: “WADA is pleased to launch this next edition of our pre-Games education series ‘ADEL for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026,’ which is a very useful education solution that Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) can use to complement their education programs in preparing athletes and coaches for the Games. This course showcases our ongoing collaborative efforts with the IOC and ITA to create impactful education courses that are available globally for the benefit of the anti-doping community. We strongly encourage ADOs to use this course to ensure athletes and coaches are well educated on Games-specific anti-doping rules as a core component of their preparations for Milano Cortina 2026.” 

The course prioritizes delivering clear and simplified content to the global sport community. WADA’s Education team incorporated athlete and coach feedback from the ADEL for Paris 2024 Olympic Games course in its development to ensure learners will find more accessible language and improved course navigation.  

Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and member of WADA’s Athlete Council, said: “The anti-doping program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games serves to uphold clean sport for athletes and coaches at the Games. The IOC is proud to support this e-learning course and feels confident that participants will be well prepared for the anti-doping requirements unique to these Winter Games.” 

Mairi Irvine, ITA Senior Education Manager, said: “The ITA is leading an independent anti-doping program on behalf of the IOC for Milano Cortina 2026, ensuring robust clean sport operations throughout the Games. Educating athletes and their support personnel about their anti-doping rights and responsibilities remains fundamental in empowering them to protect themselves from doping risks. We are proud to continue our collaboration with WADA and the IOC through the Milano Cortina 2026 ADEL e-learning course, which is now available to all athletes, coaches, and support personnel as they prepare for the Games.” 

Note:  

(1) ADOs interested in translating the course can request to do so by following the instructions here.