Doping remains a persistent “hot topic” in the sporting world. While athletes are provided with extensive lists detailing exactly which substances are permitted, a growing trend of medical exceptions is sparking debate. Currently, athletes can be granted anonymous permission to use prohibited substances for medical reasons – a practice former Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow believes must end in the interest of transparency.
The Rise of the ‘Anonymous TUE’
These anonymous exemptions, known as Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), are granted by the International Testing Agency (ITA). They allow athletes with conditions such as asthma, ADHD, diabetes, or severe allergies to use medication that would otherwise be banned.
The core philosophy behind the TUE is that an athlete should never have to choose between their health and their professional career. However, the ITA maintains strict criteria for approval:
- There must be a clear medical necessity.
- There is no suitable alternative medication available.
- The substance provides no significant performance advantage.
- The request is not a result of prior doping-related health issues.
A Sharp Increase in Requests
Data from the ITA reveals a significant upward trend in these requests. Over the last seven years, the agency received over 3,500 TUE applications across all sports. Of those, 2,361 were approved, 903 were withdrawn, and 75 were rejected.
In the world of triathlon, the numbers are particularly telling. While only one request was made in 2023, that number jumped to 34 in 2024 and reached 43 last year. Currently, six requests are still pending. Over the last seven years, triathlon has seen 54 approvals, 17 withdrawals, and only one rejection.
Laidlow’s Petition for Transparency
Laidlow views this development with growing concern. The French star has launched a petition calling on his fellow competitors to waive their anonymity and make TUEs public.
“It makes me sad, angry, and confused to see why so many athletes feel the need to request these types of ‘medical exemptions,'” Laidlow stated.
This stance comes after a period of personal friction for the athlete. Despite never testing positive or facing any formal evidence of wrongdoing, Laidlow was the target of several accusations from the camp of fellow pro Rudy von Berg over the past few years. This eventually boiled over into a heated online confrontation between Laidlow and Von Berg Sr, as you can read here and here.
