30 Athletes Banned From Winter Olympics

World anti-doping chief John Fahey has revealed that over 30 athletes have already been prevented from taking part in the Winter Olympics because of failing drug tests.

Fahey, who is the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, did not reveal the name the athletes, sports or countries involved, but did confirm that not all the athletes have been named yet.

“More than 30 athletes have been prevented from competing for violating antidoping rules,” said Fahey. “Some cases are still in the results management process.”

Fahey promised the planned 2000 urine tests and 500 blood tests would make Vancouver the cleanest Games since WADA’s inception in 1999.

He added: “Does this mean the Vancouver Games will be clean? I don’t think anyone can make that claim.

“But it is more likely that they will be caught than at any other Games in our history.”

Fahey also offered a spirited defence of the whereabouts rule which requires athletes to make themselves available for random testing.

It has been criticised by some athletes who complain it violates their human rights but Fahey described the rule as “proportionate”.

He added: “It’s a small price to pay. Unless you have the capacity to test someone without notice you cannot pick up the cheats.

“The overwhelming majority of athletes in the world are behind what is being done.”

Thanks to Sky Sports News