15 weightlifters fail dope re-test

Geneva – The International Weightlifting Federation yesterday disclosed the names of 15 Olympians, including three Beijing 2008 gold medallists, who failed doping tests after their samples were re-analysed.

The re-analysis programme was launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) focusing on Beijing 2008 and London 2012 medal winners, as part of an effort to combat drug cheating in sport.

Headlining the group are three Chinese champions: Cao Lei (-75 kg), Chen Xiexia (-48 kg) and Liu Chun Hong (-69 kg), who all claimed gold in Beijing.

The IOC is grappling with a range of doping crises beyond the Rio Games, vowing to overhaul the global testing system. – AFP