AIU's Gold Standard: Leveling the Playing Field in Athletics

David Howden, chairman of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), emphasized the tangible impact the organization has on anti-doping efforts in athletics during the Tokyo Olympics. Howden highlighted how the AIU's work has resulted in a broader spectrum of countries winning medals at the World Championships.

Since its establishment in 2017, the AIU has set a benchmark in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs, notably following the Russian doping scandal. Athletes, including Jimmy Gressier, have expressed appreciation for AIU's role in fairness, a sentiment shared by Howden during a press conference.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised AIU as a 'gold standard' organization for restoring trust in athletics. Despite challenges in regions like Kenya, where increased testing raised both bans and compliance challenges, the AIU's commitment to integrity persists, aiming for high standards across the sport.