Wada has expressed concern that genetic engineering could become the next step in illegally enhancing athletic performance.

The agency has just held a three-day conference on Long Island.

A statement said: "The definition of doping used by Wada, the IOC [International Olympic Committee], international sports federations and national authorities should be expanded to include the unapproved use of genetic transfer technologies.

The recent mapping of the human genome was heralded as one of man's greatest scientific achievements and already rudimentary technology to manipulate genes exists.

Wada chairman Dick Pound expressed fears that genetics could become the future battleground in the war against doping.

"Wada is committed to confronting the possible misuse of gene transfer technology in sport," he said.

Technology abuse

"The same kinds of people who cheat in sport today will probably try to find ways to misuse genetics tomorrow.

"Gene therapy has enormous potential to revolutionise medicine's approach to curing disease and improving the quality of life.

"Unfortunately, this same technology, like many others, can be abused to enhance athletic performance."

The conference brought together genetics experts, policy makers, representatives of the Olympic movement and athletes.