Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: What Every Athlete Needs to Know About Doping Control

KEY MESSAGES:

Know the process before you arrive. Check every medication and supplement against the 2026 WADA Prohibited List and Global DRO (where applicable). And, never assume that a product is permitted just because it is prescribed, familiar, or available over the counter.

KEY DETAILS:

Dates & Locations: Scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026 across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Sal. The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. The flame tour covers Senegal’s 14 regions starting September 12 and enters Diamniadio October 30, 2026.

Participants: Approx. 2,700 athletes (up to age 17) from over 200 National Olympic Committees, alongside a Youth Refugee Olympic Team.

Sports Program: 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports. For the complete breakdown of all 35 sports, please refer to the official Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games portal. 

COMPETITION SCHEDULE: Find your favourite sports and follow the action using the official Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games schedule. 

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Competing at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is an extraordinary achievement. After years of training, sacrifice, and dedication, U17 athletes will have the opportunity to represent their countries on an international stage.

But competing at this level comes with responsibilities that extend beyond performance. Athletes must understand Anti-Doping rules, know how to check medications and supplements, and be prepared for Doping Control, even if they have never been tested before.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are no exception.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has entrusted the International Testing Agency (ITA) with independently managing the Games' Anti-Doping program. Athletes should familiarize themselves with the official Dakar 2026 Anti-Doping Guide, which explains testing procedures, Athletes' Rights & Responsibilities, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), medication checks, and other essential information.

Read the official ITA Anti-Doping Guide for Dakar 2026.

Whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, or member of an athlete's support team, preparing in advance can help reduce uncertainty and allow athletes to focus on what matters: competing safely, fairly, and confidently.

Understand the Anti-Doping Rules Before Travelling

The first step is education.

The ITA encourages all athletes to understand their Rights & Responsibilities before arriving at the Games. Your National Olympic Committee (NOC), National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), or International Federation (IF) may provide mandatory education or instructions specific to your team and sport.

NOTE: Not all sports or teams are the same. One athlete may have a different set of rules and education, where another athlete may not. 

Do not assume that previous experience at national competitions means you understand every requirement at an international event.

Start with these resources:

• ITA: An Athlete Guide for Clean Sport at Dakar 2026
• ITA: Anti-Doping Guide for the Youth Olympic Games
• WADA's ADEL learning platform

The ITA's Dakar Athlete Guide also directs athletes to the ADEL course Talented Athletes Competing at Major Events, which covers Anti-Doping rules, medication risks, and testing procedures.

TIP: Be sure to complete any education required by your team before travelling, and keep confirmation of completion if your organization requests it.

Know When You Can Be Tested

One of the most important things to understand is that Doping Control is not limited to after medal ceremonies or only on competition days.

Athletes can be selected for testing both In-Competition (IC) and Out-of-Competition (OOC). Selection may be based on random testing, targeted testing, results, or other authorized criteria.

For the Dakar 2026 Games, the official ITA guide explains that the standard In-Competition period begins at 11:59 p.m. on the day before the competition and continues until the end of the competition and associated sample collection, unless a different definition applies to the athlete's sport.

Out-of-Competition testing can take place at other times.

This means an athlete should be prepared even when they are training, staying in the Youth Olympic Village, or travelling between activities.

TIP: Athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) or other applicable pools must also continue with their Whereabouts obligations. The Anti-Doping period begins October 27 with the opening of the Olympic Village.

What Happens During Doping Control?

Being selected for testing can feel intimidating, particularly for a young athlete experiencing it for the first time. Knowing the general steps can make the experience less stressful.

The precise process depends on whether the athlete is providing a urine or blood sample and on the testing procedures.

TIP: An athlete may be asked to provide both urine and blood during sample collection.

Step 1: Notification

An authorized Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone will notify an athlete that they have been selected for Doping Control and explain what is required.

Athletes should follow the instructions given, ask questions if they are unsure, and avoid leaving the authorized Doping Control personnel without permission.

Step 2: Request a Representative (if you want one)

Athletes may request an adult representative to accompany them during the Doping Control process. This is particularly important for minors, who are strongly encouraged to have a representative present.

The representative may be a coach, trainer, or another trusted adult who is at least 18 years old. They can be present for the process, help with communication or interpretation, ask questions on the athlete’s behalf, and raise concerns.

Athletes should discuss this in advance with their parents, coaches, or team officials so they know whom to ask.

Step 3: Report to the Doping Control Station (DCS)

Once notified, an athlete will be directed to the appropriate testing area called the Doping Control Station.

An athlete should bring identification with them and be prepared to provide a record of medications and supplements taken during the previous seven days (according to the ITA's general testing guidelines).

If an athlete needs to receive medical treatment, attend a medal ceremony, be present for media, or has another valid reason before reporting to the Doping Control Station, they may request a delay.

Approval, however, is not automatic. Of highest importance, the athlete must remain in sight of the authorized chaperone during the entire time of the approved delay until the sample collection process is complete.

TIP: Identification can vary, but may be a driver’s licence, student card, passport, sport affiliation ID, or YOG credentials.

Step 4: Provide the Sample

An athlete may be asked to provide urine, blood, or both.

For urine collection: Athletes are guided through the sample collection process, selection of collection equipment, checking that the containers and seals are secure, and to follow the DCO's instructions.

For blood collection: Trained personnel will explain the procedure and collect the sample using the applicable protocol.

For an athlete being tested for the first time, the equipment will likely be unfamiliar. It is okay to ask the DCO to explain how it works. Athletes should not feel they must understand every piece of equipment immediately, just because they did the training.

Step 5: Complete the Paperwork

Athletes will be asked to complete a Doping Control Form. This includes their contact information, coach’s and/or doctor’s names, medications and supplements, and other details required by the testing authority.

Take your time and review the form carefully. Ask for clarification if anything is unclear and make sure the information is accurate.

If you have concerns or want to comment on the process, be sure to do so. Raise your concerns with the DCO and ask how it can be recorded on the form.

Step 6: The Sample is Sealed and Sent for Analysis

The sample collection process includes steps to protect the identity, integrity, and security of the sample. The sample is sealed and handled according to the applicable international standards before being sent to the authorized testing laboratory.

Being selected for Doping Control does not automatically mean an athlete has done something wrong. It is one of the ways sporting authorities protect fair competition. It is often a confirmation of performance. 

For a detailed explanation, read the ITA's Athlete Guide to Clean Sport at Dakar 2026 and its testing resources.

Special Considerations for Athletes Under 18

The Youth Olympic Games are designed for young athletes, many of whom are minors. Additional safeguards apply to the Doping Control process for athletes under 18.

The general process is similar to athletes over the age of 18, but specific modifications help protect the safety and well-being of minors.

Before travelling, athletes and their parents or guardians should read the ITA's dedicated guide:

A Guide to Doping Control for Athletes Who Are Minors — ITA

Parents and guardians should discuss the following with their athlete:

• What happens if the athlete is selected for testing?
• Which trusted adult can act as their representative?
• How to ask questions or request clarification.
• Why it is important to cooperate with the testing process?
• How to disclose medications and supplements accurately.
• Where to find official guidance if something unexpected happens.

Having this conversation before the Games can help an athlete feel informed rather than overwhelmed.

TIP: A parent or coach should not assume that they will automatically be present when an athlete is selected. Discuss the process with the athlete and team officials ahead of time.

Check Every Medication Against the Prohibited List

This is one of the most important preparations an athlete can make.

The Reality: A medication prescribed by a doctor may contain a substance that is prohibited in sport. Some over-the-counter medicines, including common cold and flu products, may also contain prohibited ingredients.

The brand name alone is not enough to confirm whether a medication is permitted and/or safe to use. Different products with similar names, or products sold under the same brand name in different countries may contain different unlisted active ingredients.

Athletes should check all medications they currently take and any medication they may need during the Games.

Which Prohibited List applies at Dakar 2026?

The 2026 WADA Prohibited List is in effect from January 1 through December 31, 2026. It is the relevant annual list for the November 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, subject to the applicable event and sport rules.

WADA 2026 Prohibited List — PDF

The List identifies substances and methods that are prohibited at all times, prohibited In-Competition, or in certain sports.

A substance may be prohibited at all times, during the In-Competition period, or only in a particular sport. Methods of use, dosage, and route of administration can also matter.

Do not rely on a quick internet search or a friend's experience as confirmation that a product or substance is permitted.

What About the 2027 Prohibited List?

WADA has already released the 2027 Prohibited List, which comes into effect on January 1, 2027.

WADA 2027 Prohibited List — PDF

Athletes should be aware of this upcoming version, especially if they will continue competing into 2027. However, the 2027 List should not be substituted for the 2026 List when checking the rules applicable to Dakar 2026.

Compare the new List with the previous version before the 2027 season begins, and check whether any medications or treatments you use need to be reviewed.

For the latest official information, consult WADA's Prohibited List webpage.

Use Reliable Tools to Check Medications

The Prohibited List can be technical, and a medication's status may depend on several factors. Athletes should use trusted resources and ask qualified professionals when they need help.

Global DRO

Global DRO allows athletes to search the status of many medications by product, Drug Identification Number (DIN), or ingredient in participating countries.

Whenever possible, athletes should bring medications they have checked in advance. If they need to obtain medication locally, they should consult the team’s medical staff before taking it and check the active ingredient rather than relying on the brand name.

TIP: An important travel consideration applies to Dakar: Sport Integrity Canada advises that medications sold in Senegal are not included in Global DRO's database.

Your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO)

Your NADO can help explain the rules that apply in your country and direct you to the appropriate medication-checking tools.

Athletes should ask their NADO how to check products, what to do if a medication is prohibited, and which organization is responsible for their Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application.

Your Doctor or Pharmacist

Tell any healthcare professionals that you are competing under Anti-Doping rules. Ask them to consider the Prohibited List when recommending or prescribing treatment.

If a medication is medically necessary, do not stop or change treatment on your own. Work with your physician and the appropriate Anti-Doping organization to determine the safest and most compliant course of action.

TIP: For Canadian athletes: Visit Sport Integrity Canada's Dakar 2026 information page for Games-specific guidance on medication checks, travel, testing, and medical exemptions.

What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

A Therapeutic Use Exemption, or TUE, allows an athlete to use a prohibited substance or method for a legitimate medical condition when the relevant criteria are met and the exemption is approved.

A TUE is not a way to bypass Anti-Doping rules or the Prohibited List. It is a process designed to allow athletes to receive necessary medical treatment while protecting fair competition.

If an athlete needs a medication that is prohibited under the applicable rules, they should find out as early as possible whether a TUE is required and which organization must receive the application.

Do Not Leave This Until You Arrive in Dakar