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27 March 2026
Following the launch of the sample re-analysis program for the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and in the scope of the finalising phases of the program (https://ita.sport/news/olympic-games-rio-2016-re-analysis-the-ita-notifies-seven-athletes-of-potential-anti-doping-rule-violations/), the ITA reports that the re-analysis of a sample collected from athlete Ragab Abdelhay Saad Abdelrazek Abdalla has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding¹ for methandienone (danabol) 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 13 August 2016 following the men’s -94 kg weightlifting event at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and where the athlete placed 5th.
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 long-term storage and re-analysis of samples collected during doping controls is part of the extensive anti-doping program that the ITA has been carrying out independently on behalf of the IOC since 2018. Re-analysis programs provide an additional layer of doping deterrence and extend the detection range of possible rule violations beyond the initial analysis after sample collection. This allows for further testing based on new information, for example through investigations, or when scientific breakthroughs allow for better detection methods.
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 athlete will also be provisionally suspended by his respective international federation pending the results management proceedings of his case in accordance with the respective anti-doping regulations.
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.
¹ A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory that, consistent with the International Standard for Laboratories, establishes in a sample the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers or evidence of the use of a prohibited method.
