WADA President Witold Bańka and Director General Olivier Niggli have outlined the agency's priorities for 2026, focusing on implementing the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. Key initiatives include the launch of the Athlete Centre platform, a Public Policy Statement on Human Rights, increased compliance monitoring using data analytics and AI, and expanded funding for appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (429). Regional symposiums will be held in Azerbaijan, Egypt, China, and Peru to address continental concerns.

Kamila Valieva's four-year doping suspension has concluded, allowing the Russian skater to potentially return to competitive figure skating. The ban, initially imposed after a failed drug test at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Valieva, who was 15 at the time of the positive test, has received support from some in the skating community, including American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The incident led to the reallocation of medals from the Beijing 2022 Olympics and triggered a complex investigation revealing numerous supplements used by Valieva during her teenage years.

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games approaching, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes remains a complex issue. A recent CAS ruling overturned a total exclusion of Russian and Belarusian skiers, but access to qualification events is just the first step. While some disciplines are considering neutral status participation, others, like biathlon and team sports, maintain stricter bans. The IOC has ruled out national teams in ice hockey and curling. The overall number of eligible athletes is expected to be small, and key decisions are likely to be made close to the Games.

LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praising his leadership despite ongoing accusations of corruption and human rights violations related to the conflict in Gaza. This occurred as the IOC reaffirmed athletes' rights to political neutrality and the Olympic Truce, while facing criticism for its stance on Israel's participation in the Olympics and its reluctance to impose sanctions similar to those on Russia and Belarus. The Court of Arbitration for Sport denied Israel’s gymnastics body’s appeals against the International Gymnastics Federation. The IOC's actions are drawing comparisons to Wasserman's previous praise of President Trump.

Imane Khelif aims to defend her Paris 2024 gold medal at LA28 despite ongoing gender eligibility concerns and new regulations from World Boxing. She is challenging the new rules at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The IOC is discussing potential bans in women's categories, with a working group addressing the issue. The IOC is still assessing the situation before making a decision.