Imane Khelif is a name that resonates worldwide, often without much knowledge behind it. While doping is no longer a hot topic, the lingering suspicion that another bioethical issue in sports remains unresolved is stronger than hope. When it comes to addressing these issues, the Italian voice of authority is Fabio Pigozzi, president of the World Sports Medicine Physicians and head of Nado Italia, the Independent Anti-Doping Agency.
Pigozzi’s approach to the Khelif case is clear: “There is a great focus on human rights by all. It’s extremely important, in this context, to consider the relationship between human rights and scientific evaluation. From a medical standpoint, we have decided to approach it based on scientific analysis, with the goal of integrating human rights considerations while also taking scientific assessments into account.” Yes, Professor Pigozzi, but from the darkest bars of Caracas to the hallowed halls, the question remains: Is Khelif a woman? And is it fair to make her compete against other women? “To determine if Imane Khelif is a woman, we would need all the data. From what I have seen and read, it appears to be a case of intersex: a situation where there are both female and male genetic characteristics. In such situations, it’s necessary to delve deeper and make an impartial, scientific evaluation to identify the gender, which has already been done in the context of the Olympic Games, with her inclusion in the female gender. An athlete cannot be excluded based on a gender issue.”
Another major issue is doping: yet, amidst the vast array of topics at this Olympics, it seems to have disappeared from the radar… “Doping is not dead, it is just talked about less when there is no sensational case. So far, we already have three cases: a statistic that is in line with the Olympic average. Around four thousand tests are conducted in three weeks, a tremendous organizational effort. Anyone who attends the Olympic Games knows they will be tested: a crucial tool for prevention.” And what is the situation in Italy? “I can say – Pigozzi responds – with great satisfaction, that anti-doping efforts in Italy have been ongoing since 1961. There is a culture of anti-doping, and with the sports decree converted into law, the government has shown a commitment to health protection and a dignified approach to the structure that puts us on par with the rest of the world. As a doctor, I must say that anti-doping is the structure to protect clean athletes. It’s a long, tough, challenging battle, but the driving forces behind anti-doping are athlete health protection, defense of medical ethics, and equal opportunities for all to compete.”
The new frontier may involve improper use of carbon monoxide? “This method involves artificially creating a state of hypoxia, which then stimulates the production of red blood cells. This poses a serious health risk if achieved. This aspect will be discussed at a meeting in Montreal by the Health, Medical & Research division of Wada, the World Anti-Doping Agency, where further information may be gathered.”
In essence, the age-old battle of Cops and Robbers continues: who will prevail between doping and anti-doping? “The important thing is to allocate more resources to combat the ‘robbers.’ It’s a tough battle, but defense has been greatly enhanced with increasingly sophisticated tools. It requires a commitment to scientific research and intelligence investigation, as well as raising awareness of the risks of substance abuse in sports. Allow me a play on words, we must never let our guard down…”
All rights reserved © Copyright ANSA
