New tests find doping use by 31 2008 Beijing Games athletes
In response to potentially devastating allegations of widespread doping among athletes at the 2014 Sochi Games, the International Olympic Committee has rolled out a series of re-tests of athlete samples from prior games. According to the IOC, 31 athletes' samples from the 2008 Beijing Games tested positive for illegal substances, with many more tests to come.
The IOC retains samples for up to 10 years to allow for the most up-to-date testing. Tests were conducted on 454 samples from 2008, focusing on athletes who could potentially compete in 2016 at Rio. The 31 unidentified athletes across 12 countries came from six sports. The athletes could be banned from competition at Rio.
Also underway are tests on 250 samples from the 2012 London Games. Following this initial round of testing, the IOC will take a broader look at Beijing and London samples, including testing athletes who could receive medals if the current medal holders are disqualified.
The IOC has also instructed the World Anti-Doping Association to investigate allegations that Russian officials routinely subverted testing protocols during the 2014 Sochi Games. Testing could begin soon on samples from the Sochi Games stored at Lausanne, Switzerland.
"All these measures are a powerful strike against the cheats we do not allow to win," said IOC president Thomas Bach. "They show once again that dopers have no place to hide ... By stopping so many doped athletes from participating in Rio we are showing once more our determination to protect the integrity of the Olympic competitions, including the Rio anti-doping laboratory, so that the Olympic magic can unfold in Rio de Janeiro."
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
