Out-of-competition doping testing continues

Fri, May  7, 2010 - By FIS

Out-of-competition doping testing as continued focus of the FIS Anti-Doping program

Since the new World Anti-Doping Code became effective as of 1st January 2009, structured out-of-competition doping controls are a mandatory requirement on all International Federations. Given the demonstrated higher rate of effectiveness in catching cheaters, out-of-competition testing also represents the continued focus of the FIS Anti-Doping program. During the 2009/2010 competition season, FIS performed as many as 1'407 out-of-competition tests, both blood tests and urine (including 417 with EPO analysis). In addition, WADA conducted another 145 out-of-competition tests on FIS athletes during the same time. WADA's out-of-competition testing included blood and urine controls.

Additionally 334 in-competition tests were completed by FIS, all including EPO analysis. This includes doping controls carried out at the 2010 FIS Junior and Ski Flying World Championships where the number of athletes subject to post-competition doping controls included the top four plus two at random, as per FIS Rules.

In total, there were 1'741 in- and out-of-competition doping controls carried out in all FIS Olympic disciplines by FIS during the past season. In addition to these are a large number of tests conducted by the International Olympic Committee that is in charge of all anti-doping controls during the Olympic Winter Games, as well as the tests carried out by National Anti-Doping Organizations both in and out-of-competition.

The overall investment by FIS in its Anti-Doping program during the 2009/2010 season amounted to approximately CHF 1.5 million. This included both the in- and out-of-competition testing programs and various preventive, informational and educational efforts.

For more information and statistics from previous seasons, click here