WADA releases athlete “whereabouts” mobile app

Out of competition drug testing? There’s an app for that.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has announced that they’ll be rolling out a mobile app that will allow athletes to check-in and update there location for testing purposes.

The iPhone and Android app will be an outgrowth of WADA’s “whereabouts module”, which is available to the more than 25,000 athletes worldwide that can be subjected to random out of competition testing.

“The App provides athletes an easy, accessible way to report their whereabouts and remain in observance of the relevant regulations, thereby demonstrating their commitment to clean sport,” David Howman, WADA’s Director General, said in a statement. “Everyone benefits from this efficient solution, and we are pleased to offer the App.”

The app was originally created by the Dutch Doping Authority and used throughout 2012 in the Netherlands. Due to its success WADA decided to expand the use of the app to all of its other affiliated national agencies.

This app may come as good news for Canadian athletes such as Jessica Zelinka. The Olympian missed an unannounced drug test last September when she decided to travel from Calgary to Toronto for the Olympic Heros Parade. Testers showed up at her doorstep and were forced to penalize her with one strike for a missed test. Three strikes and an athlete can be suspended for up to two years.