Addis 2008 to have tight doping controls, latest tests

Addis Ababa Stadium is located at the heart of the city

27 April, 2008

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) today announced that it is ready to perform both in-competition and out of competition tests during the 16th CAA African Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking exclusively to www.addis2008.org, Medical and Anti-Doping delegate Dr. Harold Adams said his team of 10 chaperons, five doping centre officers, and himself have finalized preparations for competition.

“I have been in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the past two weeks finalizing preparations in regards to setting up the doping centre that would monitor doping during the 16th CAA competitions”, said Dr. Adams who is also the chairman of the CAA Medical Commission.

But the delegate also expressed his confidence that the tests will return negative results. “Doping relatively is minimal in the continent,” he said. “Africa is endowed with great athletes who have natural talents. Doping occurs when others try to get an edge against competitions unfairly. Doping mostly occurs in the power events such as the short distance events and I see no problems in the long distance events. We will be conducting tests at random.”

The anti-doping delegate also stated that his team will be conducting tests during the competitions days as well out-of-competition tests. He also stated that blood and urine testing would include the latest available tests for human growth hormone, EPO, and synthetic testosterone. The test samples will go to laboratories in South Africa that will analyze the samples to trace doping.

The 16th Africa Athletics Championship kicks off on Wednesday April 30 and will continue until May 4 2008 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Over 600 delegates from over 42 countries are expected to take part in the competitions which will be the largest sporting event to be hosted by the country.

Samuel Haileyesus for Addis2008.org News Team