Helsinki re-tests reveal six adverse findings

Monaco – Mar 08, 2013: The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has re-tested a selection of doping samples collected at the 2005 IAAF World Championships, Helsinki, Finland, from a wide range of disciplines and nations, and the results have revealed a further* six adverse findings.

The IAAF, as part of its strategic anti-doping policy, instigated last year the re-analysis of samples originally taken during Helsinki 2005 using the most up-to-date analytical techniques. These samples had been transferred to the WADA-accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland following the World Championships for long–term storage in accordance with the IAAF retesting policy.

“The IAAF’s message to cheaters is increasingly clear that, with constant advancements being made in doping detection, there is no place to hide,” confirmed IAAF President Lamine Diack. “This re-testing is just the latest example of the IAAF’s firm resolve to expose cheating in our sport. The IAAF will continue to do everything in its power to ensure the credibility of competition, and where the rules have been broken, will systematically uncover the cheats.”

The six adverse findings involving Andrei MIKHNEVICH (BLR), Ivan TSIKHAN (BLR), Vadim DEVYATOVSKIY (BLR), Tatyana KOTOVA (RUS), Nazdeya OSTAPCHUK (BLR), and Olga KUZENKOVA (RUS) have resulted in the initiation of disciplinary procedures which are currently ongoing in accordance with IAAF Rules. The IAAF will not make any further comment until the completion of those proceedings.

*NOTE – previous to today’s announcements two athletes, Vladislav Piskunov (UKR) who had finished 12th in the men’s Hammer Throw, and Neelam Jaswant Singh (IND) who was 9th in Group A of the women’s Discus Throw qualification, had already been sanctioned and disqualified for doping violations at the 2005 IAAF World Championships, Helsinki, Finland. —- IAAF