IOC introduces blood tests

Samaranch has now targeted the human growth hormone

Blood tests will be introduced at the Sydney Games as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) steps up its fight against drugs.

The move will increase the ability to detect EPO, the stamina-increasing drug which was at the centre of the Tour de France scandal two years ago.

Prince Alexandre de Merode, head of the IOC's medical commission, warned that any athlete who refused to take the new test would be thrown out of the Games.

"It is very simple, no-one is forced to compete," he said. "We have our rules and it is also in the constitution that they must take the test. If they don't they are out."

Enhances

EPO, which boosts the body's red blood cell count and thus enhances the blood's ability to transport oxygen to the muscles, is currently undetectable.

But by combining an Australian test, based on blood sampling, with the French method, which uses urine, the drug could be detected.

The out of competition tests will be carried out all over Australia. There will be no hiding

  Jacques Rogge

IOC executive board member Jacques Rogge said that anyone who refused the test would be considered guilty of doping.

"This new test is a major breakthrough. It is a very fine day for us," said Rogge.

"Of course there will be legal action taken against us by athletes who test positive but we are sure we will have the full backing of any judge should the case go to court."

The IOC revealed that more than 2,500 drug tests will be carried out at Sydney - 400 of them for EPO.

No hiding

"The out of competition tests will be carried out all over Australia. There will be no hiding," said Rogge.

"The moment an athlete steps foot in the country he is liable to be tested any time."

Unlike previous dope tests where an 'A' sample and a 'B' sample were needed, only one sample will be needed to get an EPO result.

EPO's use is most commonly associated with sports like cycling and long distance running - and it can be life-threatening.

"EPO use can be very dangerous," said Jim Stray-Gundersen, a research professor at the Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education.

Clotting

"If too much is used, the athlete is susceptible to clotting inside the vessels which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, and ultimately, death."

Robin Parisotto, a laboratory manager at the Australian Institute of Sport, added: "Many experts suspect that too much EPO has played a role in the unexplained heart problems and subsequent deaths of close to 20 European racing cyclists since 1987."

The decision on EPO has given Olympic officials renewed hope they can crack down on other drugs that still defy detection.

"I am sure that, (for) the human growth hormone, in the next months we will be able to find a solution," said IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch.