The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a statement in response to the results of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) retesting of doping samples from the 2012 London Olympics.
As we reported earlier today, as part of its efforts to protect clean athletes by preventing dopers from competing at the 2016 Olympic Games In Rio, the IOC retested a total of 265 samples from London, using the latest technology available.
According to the IOC, 23 athletes across 6 different counties have tested positive for banned substances as a result of the samples being retested. The athletes stem from 5 different sports, although no specifics have been released at this time other than to say that all have failed their A samples.
In WADA’s statement on the ordeal, the organization reiterates that the World Anti-Doping Code makes it possible to open a disciplinary proceeding within 10 years from the date an Anti-Doping Rule Violation occurred. Such a period of time allows for the advancement in testing techniques to be applied to past samples as a means for promoting clean sport.
“Under the revised Code, if athletes choose to cheat, they can’t rest easy until ten years is up,” said David Howman, Director General. “We believe that retrospective analysis serves as a strong deterrent to those who may consider cheating,” he continued.
WADA’s statement indicates that the reanalysis was a product of collaboration among the IOC, WADA and International Federations and specifically focused on athletes from London who could potentially also be among the competitors this summer in Rio.
You can read the full WADA statement here.