Olympic Games Rio 2016 re-analysis – the ITA notifies cyclist Christos Volikakis of a potential anti-doping rule violation

Following the launch of the sample re-analysis program for the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the ITA reports that the re-analysis of a sample collected from athlete Christos Volikakis has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding¹ for SARMS LGD-4033 metabolite, a non-specified prohibited substance according to the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The sample was collected by the IOC during an in-competition anti-doping control performed on 16 August 2016 during the cycling track sprint event at the Olympic Games Rio 2016. The sample was first analysed during the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and was reported as negative with the detection methods applied by the WADA-accredited laboratory available at the time.

The athlete has been informed of the case. He has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample. If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, or if the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will proceed as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete has the opportunity to present his explanations for the positive result.

The matter will thereafter be referred to the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD) for adjudication under the IOC Anti-Doping Rules.

Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments during the ongoing proceeding.