The Int'l Testing Agency -- billed as "a major player in the global fight against doping" -- officially started its operations in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday, according to Dan Palmer of INSIDE THE GAMES. The body launched in the Olympic capital after holding its second foundation board meeting. Its creation was approved by the IOC's exec board in July of last year, with anti-doping services available to int'l federations and "major events which are willing to sign up." The ITA claims to act independently of any sports organization or national interest. A new logo was unveiled with the slogan "keeping sport real." Whether the ITA will operate as a truly independent entity "has been questioned as most of the Foundation Board members have links to sports governance" (INSIDE THE GAMES, 6/22).
ATHLETICS APPEAL: REUTERS' Nick Said reported Athletics South Africa lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport "to halt the implementation of new female classification rules" by the IAAF. It follows a "similar challenge" by South Africa's double Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya. Additionally, ASA President Aleck Skhosana is set to meet with IAAF President Sebastian Coe "in the coming week" to discuss the new regulations (REUTERS, 6/23).
