WADA Publishes 2026 Prohibited List: What British Ice Skating Athletes Need to Know
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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the WADA 2026 Prohibited List, outlining the substances and methods that are banned in sport. The List is reviewed annually following a consultation period with athletes, International Federations, National Anti-Doping Organisations and wider stakeholders, ensuring it reflects the latest medical, scientific and ethical developments within clean sport.
Released on 24 September 2025, the updated List gives athletes and their support personnel time to understand any changes before it comes into force in 2026. British Ice Skating encourages all athletes, coaches and medical teams to familiarise themselves with the updates and ensure their practices remain fully compliant.
Why the Prohibited List Matters
The Prohibited List is a cornerstone of the global anti-doping system. It identifies substances and methods that may enhance performance, pose a health risk to athletes, or violate the spirit of sport. For skaters competing nationally and internationally, understanding the List is an essential part of maintaining fair and safe competition.
Anti-doping is a shared responsibility. Athletes are ultimately accountable for what enters their bodies, making education and awareness key components of preparation throughout the season - whether training at home or travelling to competitions.
What Athletes and Support Staff Should Do Now - WADA 2026 Prohibited List
Following the release of the 2026 List, WADA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) recommend several important steps:
Review the updates carefully and ensure you understand any changes that may apply to your discipline or training environment.
Check all medications and supplements using approved resources before use.
Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) through the relevant organisation — such as UKAD or the International Skating Union — if you require medication that appears on the List.
Stay informed by visiting UKAD’s website for a full summary of the updates and by following @ukantidoping across social media channels.
Early preparation helps reduce risk and ensures athletes can focus fully on training and perforance.
Supporting Clean Sport in British Ice Skating
British Ice Skating continues to work closely with UKAD and international partners to promote education, integrity and athlete wellbeing. Clean sport is fundamental to protecting the credibility of competition and creating a positive environment for current and future generations of skaters.
Athletes are encouraged to speak to their coaches, medical practitioners or performance staff if they have any questions about medications, supplements or anti-doping procedures.
Key Resources Available
The following resources are available to help athletes and support teams understand the 2026 updates in more detail:
The full 2026 Prohibited List
The 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes
The 2026 Monitoring Program, which highlights substances not currently banned but being observed for potential misuse trends
All resources can be accessed via WADA’s official website, alongside further guidance from UK Anti-Doping.