The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced that athletes from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Portugal will undergo more rigorous out-of-competition (OOC) drug testing before being eligible for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The AIU issued clear warnings to these countries about the inadequacy of their national testing programs following the World Athletics Championships in 2022. All four countries failed to ensure proportionate OOC testing for their teams at the subsequent championships in Budapest in 2023.

The World Athletics Council approved the AIU’s recommendations to impose testing eligibility conditions on athletes from these countries for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Athletes will be required to undergo at least three no-notice OOC tests, with each test conducted at least three weeks apart before July 4, 2024. The decision aims to ensure a level playing field for athletes and underscores the seriousness of anti-doping measures in the Olympic year.

Brazil, Ecuador, and Portugal secured medals at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, with Brazil leading with 21 medals, including seven golds. Ecuador earned two golds and one silver, while Portugal had one gold, one silver, and two bronzes. Peru did not secure any medals in the last Olympics.

Source – CGTN