Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > Sports Video

WADA poised to retest samples from London & Sochi Olympics

Reporter: Xu Zhen 丨 CCTV.com

05-19-2016 15:46 BJT

The performance enhancing drug scandal threatening to ruin the legacy of several past Olympics, while also overshadowing those on the horizon with more unwanted controversy. But IOC President Thomas Bach says his organization is ready to apply a "zero tolerance policy" if allegations of Russian state-supported doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games are proven true, while also undertaking a review of London 2012.

One of the International Olympic Committee's worst nightmares shows no indication of coming to an end. Russia's track and field coaches and athletes remain suspended in connection with alleged state sponsorship of a performance enhancing drug program, leaving their participation at this year's Rio Summer Games in severe doubt. And now the World Anti-Doping Agency is stepping up its own probe.

"Now, first of all in this inquiry, it's about establishing the facts. We have allegations who are very detailed, and very worrying, but we have asked WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) now to establish the facts. WADA will inquire with a fully-fledged inquiry into all of this and then, depending on the results of this inquiry, then the international federations and the IOC may have to take decisions," said Thomas Bach reiterating commitment to drug-free Olympics.

Thomas Bach adds that WADA will also retest samples from past Olympics, and anyone found guilty will be punished.

"One thing is clear -- the IOC will react with zero tolerance -- in order to protect the clean athletes. Whoever is involved, and is within the reach of the IOC will be sanctioned, because this we owe to all the clean athletes around the globe," said Thomas Bach IOC president.

The IOC President reiterated that Russia could be banned from the upcoming Games in Brazil if it fails to comply with global anti-doping standards -- a penalty which would then be extended to any federation or individual involved in this scandal.

"There again we are clear. We said if allegations are true, we will hold everybody responsible who is implicated, and different kinds of action are possible. This could be a life-long ban for any implicated person. That means not only the athlete, or the immediate entourage, everybody implicated. They would be held responsible and could be banned from Olympics. There could be financial sanctions on organizations involved. These could involve the acceptance of suspension or exclusion of entire national federations," said Thomas Bach confirming potential punishments for cheaters.

Bach closed by saying Moscow's athletes might be required to prove they are clean if the scandal expands to other sports, and asking for anyone with relevant information on doping anywhere to speak to WADA to assist in their inquiry. International track and field officials will meet on June 17th to discuss the Russian delegation's eligibility for Rio, with a decision to be announced afterwards.

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat