Patrick Schamasch: The answer has to be no. We are bound by the World Anti-Doping Code's strict liability rule. But after a positive test, there is always the possibility of trying to find where and when the substance entered the body. That is where we may find some explanation which may lead to a reassessment of the sanction, bearing in mind that disqualification is always effective.

PS: We will have an increase in testing, with 72% more tests than there were in Salt Lake City. That means that in the Games period there will be approximately 362 pre-competition tests and 838 post-competition tests. Most of the procedures will be the same as in Athens. The differences from Salt Lake City will be in the results management of adverse analytical findings. The President will appoint a Disciplinary Commission to conduct the hearings. According to the case, the President may decide that the Disciplinary Commission can take the final decision or that the Disciplinary Commission’s recommendation should be forwarded to the Executive Board. As in Athens, athletes can be sanctioned not only if they test positive for a banned substance, but also if they commit an anti-doping violation, such as a no-show at a doping control of if they fail to provide the requested sample.

P.S. :The testing period starts on 31 January, the date of the opening of the athletes' villages, and finishes on 26 February, the date of the Closing Ceremony. Within this period, tests will be carried out around the world on athletes eligible to compete at the Games. If the athlete is at an Olympic venue, testing will be carried out by the Organising Committee (TOROC), under IOC rules. If the athlete is outside the Olympic venue - whether in Italy or in another part of the world - then he or she will be tested under IOC rules, by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) with a letter of authority from the IOC, and with the IOC’s system of results management.

PS: Yes. hGH will be tested for in Turin. Blood tests will be used for the detection of hGH, blood transfusions and Haemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs).

PS: The IOC Executive Board has decided that all the samples will be kept for eight years.

PS: We have a very good relationship with WADA. Of course, the role of the IOC is limited to the period of the Games. But we have a task force which will harmonise tests performed before and during the Games, first to prevent any expensive duplication, and second to ensure that testing targets are achieved. As well as implementing some pre-Games testing, WADA will also provide independent observers during the Games.

PS: The first right is the option of having a “B” sample tested. The second right is having a fair hearing. He or she will have to explain in front of a Disciplinary Commission why the substance has been found in his or her body. The athlete has the right to be informed prior to any public disclosure. He or she has the right to a lawyer, doctor or physician or any other persons he or she wishes to consult, up to a maximum of three people. The right to defend him/herself will always be respected. The whole procedure should be completed within 24 hours during the Games.

PS: From a human point of view, it is always a sad thing. We are never happy to see someone destroyed. From a positive point of view, it proves that we are working hard and that the money invested in the fight against doping has been well spent.

PS: We have won, and will win, many battles. To extend that to saying that we will win the final war I am not sure about, because doping is cheating and cheating is part of human mentality. The fight against doping is an IOC priority and we are winning more and more battles - the gap between the cheats and us is narrowing. In 1967, when we started the fight against doping, we could detect only 5% of substances. Now we can detect about 99% of substances. That is the main battle won.