The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) shared a press release today about the return of Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF) for the results of three more athletes from the 2012 Olympic Games. According to the press release, the athletes in question, two representing Romania and one representing Turkey, had their urine samples from the 2012 Olympic Games re-tested in accordance with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) re-analysis program.
The press release stated the returned results as follows:
Mr. Erol Bilgin (TUR) – Stanozolol metabolites & Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone metabolite (S1.1A Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids)
Mr. Razvan Martin (ROU) – Stanozolol metabolites & Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone metabolite & Metenolone and metabolites (S1.1A Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids)
Ms. Roxana Cocos (ROU) – Stanozolol metabolites & Metenolone and metabolites (S1.1A Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids)
The IOC’s re-analysis program aims to test samples for all substances banned at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Due to the finding of banned substances in their re-analyses, mandatory provisional suspensions were imposed on all three athletes. The IOC has yet to determine if the athletes will be issued any additional penalties pertaining to their participation in the 2012 Olympic Games, including possible medal reallocation.
2012 Olympic Games results for the three athletes
- Erol Bilgin finished in eighth place in the men’s -62kg weight class.
- Razvan Martin won the bronze medal in the men’s -69kg weight class.
- Roxana Cocos won the silver medal in the women’s -69kg weight class.
Further consequences and IWF response
Whenever an Anti-Doping Rule Violation is found, the IWF assumes the responsibility of determining further consequences for competitions apart from the 2012 Olympics.
According to the IWF press release, they have not yet determined additional penalties stating:
“The IWF will not make any further comments on the case until they are closed.”
Current doping controversies in weightlifting
The timing of these suspensions comes amid a current doping scandal involving the IWF after accusations of financial impropriety and false drug testing cover-up surfaced in ARD’s documentary titled Secret Doping – the Lord of the Lifters.
The IWF rejected those allegations. They shared a preliminary statement regarding the documentary while “compiling a robust response”.
Featured image logo of the International Olympic Committee.
