Olympic Games Rio 2016 re-analysis – the ITA notifies two weightlifters of potential anti-doping rule violations

Following the launch of the sample re-analysis program for the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the ITA reports that:

1. The re-analysis of a sample collected by the IOC out-of-competition (OOC) on 27 July 2016 and a sample collected by the IOC in-competition (IC) on 10 August 2016 from Alexandru Spac (Moldova) have returned Adverse Analytical Findings¹ for Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone metabolite, a non-specified prohibited substance according to the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Alexandru Spac participated in the Men’s –77 kg weightlifting event at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and obtained the 5^th position.
2. The re-analysis of a sample collected by the IOC OOC on 6 August 2016 from weightlifter Mohamed Mahmoud Ehab (Egypt) has returned an AAF for Methandienone metabolite, a non-specified prohibited substance according to the Prohibited List of WADA. Mohamed Mahmoud Ehab participated in the Men’s –77 kg weightlifting event at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and obtained the bronze medal.

The samples were first analysed during the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and were reported as negative with the detection methods applied by the WADA-accredited laboratory available at the time.

The athletes have been informed of their respective cases. They each have the right to request the analysis of their B-sample(s). If the B-sample(s) analysis is requested and confirm the result of the A-sample(s), or if the B-sample(s) analysis is not requested, the case will proceed as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athletes have the opportunity to present explanations for the positive results.

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

Neither athlete is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Given that the cases are underway, there will be no further comments during the ongoing proceedings.