Helsinki chiefs get tough on drugs

Athletes have been warned there will be nowhere to hide if they are using illegal drugs at the World Championship as organisers prepare to put the most “aggressive” of detection strategies into practice.

The number of tests to be carried out in Helsinki this month will be more than double that implemented in Paris two years ago, rising from 405 to above 850.

Lamine Diack, president of the IAAF, revealed that athletes will be blood-tested and undergo checks for human growth hormones.

In Paris, eight performers, including double sprint champion Kelli White, were disqualified for drug offences, and athletics chiefs are vowing to catch out those looking to benefit from any form of cheating.

Diack said: “The IAAF is determined to ensure that these championships highlight our continuous, aggressive commitment to the war on doping.

“In Paris, at the last edition of the World Championships, 405 doping tests were carried out.

“In Helsinki, in co-operation with the Finnish Anti-Doping Agency (FINADA), we plan to have the most ambitious and comprehensive system of testing ever activated at a World Championships.

“We have planned more than 850 tests, both before and during the competition - easily the largest testing programme ever conducted at an IAAF World Championships.

“Virtually one in every two athletes will be tested during the Championships.

“Approximately 350 competitors will be blood-screened as they enter the athletes’ village, while during the championships themselves, close to 500 tests will be collected – more than 50 tests for every day of competition.

“Also in competition, about 100 blood tests will be carried out for the detection of blood transfusion and other forms of blood tampering. There will also be tests for human growth hormones.

“We have increased the testing before, during and after the competition and we will also focus our efforts on education, which is why we are glad to announce that the IAAF has worked with WADA and FINADA.”

The IAAF yesterday recommended that first-time drug cheats should receive four-year bans, rather than the present two.

An outreach education programme has also opened in the athletes’ village in Helsinki.

“Athletes will be able to ask questions of the anti-doping experts from the IAAF and WADA and collect important information regarding anti-doping,” said Diack.

“Athletes, officials and athletes support personnel, have all been encouraged to visit, as education is a vital tool in the eternal war against doping.”