World Junior Championship Doping Controls All Return Negative Results
The IAAF conducted its biggest ever testing programme at a World Junior Championships, with a total of 227 athletes tested either before or during the competition. This testing included 114 blood screens taken prior to the competition and 113 tests during the competition (including 43 athletes tested for EPO).
In reporting these results IAAF President Lamine Diack said “we were very impressed with the performances of these young athletes in Beijing, and we are now equalled pleased that they have proved they are competing in a clean, fair and honest manner. Their willingness to be tested and motivation to compete without using banned substances should be commended”.
The young athletes also further highlighted their disapproval of doping when attending the anti-doping education programme at the warm-up track in Beijing. Athletes took the time to play the anti-doping quiz, hear from IAAF Ambassadors such as Marie-José Perec about the importance of competing cleanly, and finally sign a visual pledge to continue competing drug free.