Obituary

Former UWW Counsel, IOC Director-General François Carrard Dies Aged 83

Monday, January 10, 2022 - 14:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 10) -- Long-time International Olympic Committee Director-General and former United World Wrestling counsel François Carrard passed away Sunday at the age of 83.

UWW President Nenad LALOVIC expressed his deep sympathies with Carrard's family and said that the international federation is thankful for François Carrard's association.

"François Carrard was at the service of wrestling since we called upon him," Lalovic said. "He’s been instrumental in helping save wrestling on the Olympic Programme and continued to support the years after with his expertise within the law and international sport."

Apart from assisting UWW in many battles over the years, Mr. Carrard was also involved in helping the organization regain its spot in the Olympic Programme by advising on necessary reforms. It was his expertise in the field of Olympics and sports law that he introduced new statutes and modern governance principles.

Given his involvement in the sport, the Doctor of Law from the University of Lausanne visited the wrestling family on various occasions during the World Championships.

Apart from wrestling, Mr. Carrard, who entered the bar in 1967, led the IOC  administration from 1989 until 2003 and played a crucial role during the 1999-2000 IOC reforms. He was also appointed as the spokesperson of the IOC Executive Board.

In addition, his contribution in setting up the World Anti-Doping Agency and the introduction of the first WADA Code are well known besides being involved in revamping the Olympic Charter and in the IOC Commission on Apartheid and Olympism.

On behalf of the wrestling community, we thank Maitre François Carrard for his friendship and support of our sport.

#development

UWW, ITA deliver anti-doping education at World Championships camp

Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 11:30 By United World Wrestling Press

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POREC, Croatia (September 11) -- The United World Wrestling recently hosted a successful on-site Anti-Doping education event in collaboration with the International Testing Agency at the World Championships acclimatization camp in Poreč.

This marked the first time UWW partnered with ITA to deliver education directly at a training camp. A dedicated booth was set up on September 8 and 9 during the camp, and presentation sessions, led by ITA educator Anita HARTUNG, were held during the evenings of both days.

"The camp offered a great opportunity to connect with athletes ahead of their major competition," Hartung said. "Many stopped by the Clean Sport booth before and after training, showing genuine interest and openness in discussing the fundamentals of Anti-Doping.

"It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a motivated athlete community and support them in their sporting journey."

The sessions provided athletes with in-depth knowledge about Anti-Doping rules, safe supplement use, and ethical sporting practices.

Two dedicated presentation sessions explored key topics, including athletes’ rights and responsibilities, how to check medications, Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplement use.

Holding the sessions during the acclimatization period, rather than the competition phase, allowed athletes to engage in a more relaxed environment and fully focus on learning.

CRO

"These are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and thanks to the collaboration with ITA, they are better informed,” Carlos ROY, UWW Secretary General, said. "Education on Anti-Doping protects our sport, promotes fair competition, and ensures our athletes can perform at their best with confidence."

The initiative reflects UWW’s ongoing commitment to clean sport and athlete support. By equipping wrestlers with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, UWW and ITA aim to strengthen integrity in wrestling while fostering a culture of safe and fair competition.

The Anti-Doping education sessions are part of a broader effort by UWW to provide athletes with continuous learning opportunities on the importance of competing clean, complementing existing regulations and testing programs.

With the World Championships on the horizon, these activities ensure that athletes are not only physically and technically prepared but also well-informed about Anti-Doping practices, reinforcing the values of integrity, fairness, and excellence in wrestling.