The International Testing Agency (ITA), the body responsible for managing anti-doping programs at the Paris Olympics, has announced that five athletes tested positive for banned substances during the Games. This comes after the agency detected 40 rule violations among athletes expected to participate in the Games during pre-competition testing.
The ITA conducted a robust testing program, collecting over 6,130 samples from 4,150 athletes across various disciplines. This represents a significant increase in testing compared to previous Olympics, with nearly 39% of athletes being tested, a 4% rise from Tokyo 2020 and a 10% increase from Rio 2016. The agency focused its efforts on nations with large teams in Paris, including the United States, France, China, Australia, and Britain.
The ITA revealed that almost 90% of athletes participating in the Games were tested at least once prior to the opening ceremony. Furthermore, the agency uncovered over 40 anti-doping rule violations during pre-Games testing among athletes who were likely to compete in Paris.
The five positive tests in Paris involved two cases in judo, one in track and field, one in aquatics, and one in boxing. The substances detected included anabolic steroids and a diuretic. Athletes from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Congo, Iraq, and Nigeria were either removed from their events or had their results disqualified. Disciplinary proceedings against these athletes are now being conducted by their respective sports governing bodies.
The ITA, established by the International Olympic Committee in 2016, aims to bring greater independence to global anti-doping efforts. The agency manages testing programs on behalf of various sports organizations, ensuring a fair and level playing field for athletes worldwide. The samples collected during the Paris Games, along with selected samples from pre-Games testing, will be stored for 10 years, allowing for potential re-analysis with improved testing techniques and emerging intelligence.
