WADA VP Jean-Francois Lamour Resigns, Criticizes Organization

Lamour Feels WADA Cannot Effectively Fight Doping

WADA VP Jean-Francois Lamour has resigned, calling the organization "compromised and incapable of effectively fighting drugs in sport," according to James Christie of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. The "abrupt rejection of WADA's work by the man who was in line to become its next president, stunned" WADA Chair Dick Pound. Pound will be replaced as head of the organization next month at WADA's meetings in Madrid, but Lamour said, "I don't want to be the next president of a body that does not have the strength and dynamism to fight against doping. ... WADA is in the process of regressing by 10 years. I cannot accept this." Lamour was "disconcerted when former Australian finance minister John Fahey announced recently he would contest the race for president." Christie notes Fahey's candidacy "is supported by the [U.S.], which has had a spotty history on fighting drugs, especially at the professional level." However, Pound said the U.S. has "made huge strides recently" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 10/17).