Six fail Beijing drugs test
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is eight months since Beijing bade farewell to the 2008 Olympics but the files have only just opened on six more athletes who have been caught in the drug-testing net. It was revealed by the International Olympic Committee last night that seven positive tests, involving six competitors, had been made in the mass operation to re-examine drug samples for Cera (Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator), a new variation of the banned blood booster EPO (erythropoietin).
The identity of the athletes and the sports involved has not been disclosed but the IOC has begun the process of notifying those involved through their national Olympic committees. The Italian Olympic Committee has confirmed that one of its competitors was among the six but gave no further details. It is not known whether the list includes the case of Athanasia Tsoumeleka, the Greek race walker whose positive test for Cera came to light in January.
The retests, which began in January, focused primarily on endurance events in cycling, rowing, swimming and athletics. Nine Olympians tested positive during the Games but when suspicions of Cera use came to light the IOC swiftly made use of its policy of re-examining samples when new drugs come to light – they are frozen and stored for eight years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments