IOC excludes Colombian runner from London 2012
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that it has excluded Colombian athlete Diego Palomeque Echavarria (athletics, men’s 400m) from the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London. The athlete had been provisionally suspended on 4 August 2012.
Eighteen-year-old Palomeque Echavarria, who was scheduled to compete on 4 August, provided a urine sample on 26 July in London that tested positive for testosterone of exogenous origin. The analysis of the B sample confirmed the results of the A sample.
The IOC Disciplinary Commission, composed for this case of Thomas Bach (Chairman), Denis Oswald and Frank Fredericks, decided:
I. The Athlete, Mr Diego Palomeque Echavarria, Colombia, Athletics:
(i) is excluded from the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London in 2012;
(ii) shall have his Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card immediately cancelled and withdrawn.
II. The NOC of Colombia is requested to investigate the matter of the injections administered to the Athlete by his coach, Raul Diaz Quejada, and to take any appropriate sanctions or measures within its own competence. The NOC is further requested to inform the IOC of the results of such investigation, and any sanctions or measures taken, at the latest by 31 October 2012. The IOC reserves its right to consider possible further sanctions or measures in relation to this matter.
III. The Athlete?s file shall be transmitted to the International Association of Athletics Federations, which is requested to consider any further action within its own competence.
IV. The NOC of Colombia and LOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision.
V. This decision shall enter into force immediately.
Under the IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the 2012 London Olympic Games, testing takes place under the IOC’s auspices from 16 July (date of the opening of the Olympic Village) to 12 August 2012. Within that period, the IOC systematically performs tests before and after events. After each event, the IOC systematically carries out tests on the top five finishers plus two at random. The IOC also performs out-of-competition unannounced tests. Over the course of the London Games, the IOC is expected to carry out some 5,000 tests – 3,800 urine and 1,200 blood. For more information, please consult the IOC factsheet on anti-doping.
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