The Olympic Movement and the IOC Medical Commission have been fighting against doping for 30 years.
Specialised in cardio-vascular operations, the Onassis Hospital is one of the most modern in the world.
IMPARTIAL CONTROLS IN ATHENS
The anti-doping control procedure in Athens consist of 8 different steps:
1)
Notification
2)
Identification formalities
3)
Urine sample
4)
Doping control form
5)
Laboratory analysis
6)
Result of an abnormal analysis
7)
Disciplinary commission
8)
Communication to the athlete
In Athens, the tests implemented by the IOC Medical Commission are systematic and respect the rules which ensure their reliability. The top four competitors in each event are tested. Two other athletes are also selected at random. They are escorted to the doping control station to supply samples. The collected samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
With the aim of being as tranparent as possible, the IOC is providing daily details on the number of tests carried out before and during the Games in Athens.
People have always attempted to artificially improve their performances using relatively simple methods. At the Rome Games in 1960, a Danish runner died after having taken a strong dose of amphetamines.
The history of the Games is littered with doping cases that have always damaged the spirit of sport as much as the athletes themselves. That is why, for more than 30 years, the IOC has been radically against doping for the following principles:
· Protecting athletes' health
· Respecting medical and sporting ethics
· Maintaining equal opportunities for all during competitions
These principles are accompanied by a list of prohibited substances, methods and manipulations. Chemical substances such as beta-blockers, diuretics or amphetamines are prohibited, as are hormonal substances such as steroids or erythropoietin (EPO).
