Mixed news on drug tests

There could be a test for EPO but not HGH

Sydney Olympic officials are hopeful that one avenue of cheating will be closed off before the games start in September, but they have admitted defeat over another.

There will be no test to detect the muscle-building human growth hormone (HGH), the chief organiser of the Games admitted on Wednesday.

But Sydney Organising Committee president Michael Knight hoped the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would be able to order tests for the stamina-improving blood-booster EPO.

The EPO test was refused when it was examined before cycling's recent Tour de France.

We have funds and plans to enable us to blood-test all athletes in the testing regime if there is an available test for EPO

  Michael Knight

Urine samples were frozen during the event for examination after the test is officially approved.

Knight believes the necessary safeguards will be in place by the time the games start in September.

"We, like all of you, are anxiously waiting to see whether there will be a test for EPO," Knight said.

The IAAF still rely on urine samples

"We are hopeful that the scientific evidence will be strong enough for the tests that have been developed for the IOC to mandate them."

The EPO test, developed by French and Australian scientists, is scheduled to be submitted to the IOC for approval on 1 August.

Sydney has contingency plans to implement the tests during the Games, which are expected to attract 10,200 athletes.

"We have funds and plans to enable us to blood-test all athletes in the testing regime if there is an available test for EPO," said Knight.

HGH

However there appears no chance of having a test for HGH implemented by 15 September, when the games start.

"I think it is clear there will be no test for human growth hormone by the time of the Sydney Games," admitted Knight.

This drug hit the headlines in the lead-up to the 1998 Perth world swimming championships.

Thirteen vials of the muscle-building substance were found in the luggage of Chinese swimmer Yuan Yuan.