Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/553115
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 AUGUST 2015 51 Sport ATHLETICS BMX Wada to launch urgent investigation into athletics doping claims The World Anti-Doping Agency is to launch an urgent investigation into widespread doping allegations in international athletics GERMAN broadcaster ARD/ WDR and the Sunday Times gained access to a database con- taining more than 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes. It claimed more than 800 athletes - and a third of all medallists in endurance events at recent Ol- ympics and World Champion- ships - had suspicious blood test results which were not followed up by the International Associa- tion of Athletics Federations. In a lengthy and detailed re- sponse by the IAAF to the claims, the athletics governing body said the allegations were "sensation- alist and confusing". However, WADA president Sir Craig Reedie confirmed the mat- ter had now been referred to its independent commission. He said: "WADA is committed to protecting the confidentiality of athletes; and, therefore, has asked its independent commis- sion to commence its investiga- tion with urgency. "We are confident that the IAAF, which has formally agreed to full cooperation with the com- mission with respect to its in- quiries, is equally committed." Lord Coe, who is running for the presidency of the IAAF later this month, launched a furious defence of international athlet- ics' record in dealing with dop- ing, claiming the reports were "declaration of war". The former double Olympic 1,500m gold medallist, however, accepted some countries are causing a problem to the sport. Russia has had a number of high- profile drugs cheats banned. The Sunday Times, though, continues to back its story and labelled the IAAF response "dis- ingenuous", questioning whether the organisation was commit- ted to tackling doping. The two experts, Michael Ashenden and Robin Parisotto, said they stood by their beliefs. While criticising the way the information was put into the public domain, WADA hopes its investigation - scheduled to de- liver its report by the end of the year - will discover the truth. Reedie's statement continued: "WADA deplores the manner in which this data was obtained, leaked to the media and analysed. To suggest or imply doping with respect to any athlete whose data is contained within the database is, at the very least, irresponsible and potentially libellous. "I ask that any athlete, or anti- doping organisation, concerned that their rights are being eroded or inappropriately challenged refer those concerns to the com- mission, which intends to com- mence its work immediately." WADA director general David Howman believes the analysis of the results in the leaked report need to be carefully placed into context. Howman said: "A portion of the data within the database pre-dates the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), which was intro- duced in 2009. This data could not possibly be considered dop- ing, legally or otherwise. "In addition, atypical blood data, which may be within this database from 2009-2012, is not necessarily indicative of doping. "The strength of the ABP is that it monitors selected biologi- cal variables over time, via the blood, which indirectly reveal the effects of doping. "WADA's rules governing the ABP are designed to ensure a complete and fair review of ABP profiles and require the unani- mous opinion of three experts." The IAAF later on Friday after- noon issued a statement saying it "warmly welcomes today's clear and unequivocal statement" by WADA. Athletics' world governing body also confirmed it has agreed to send its full database with pre- 2009 data to WADA, and will fully co-operate with WADA on the analysis of its contents. Its statement added: "The IAAF is aware that certain media rep- resentatives have contacted ath- letes requesting permission for their confidential medical data to be made public. "It is for this exact reason that the IAAF deplores the way this data was obtained and analysed without consent." Sir Craig Reedie: Announced WADA probe BMX Summer Fest at Pembroke THE Malta BMX Association recently hosted the 29th edition of BMX Summer Fest, were for the first time BMX competitions and live music acts where organised together for the weekend at the Outdoor Park of BMX at Pem- broke. A number of bands such as Nosnow/Noalps, Fuzzhoneys, OctoPi, Sempliciment Tat – Triq, Pio, Falcon's Flying Circus, FDM Crew, Oddball Malta, and Pyramid Suns performed during the weekend, while BMX competitions where being held. This allowed people visit- ing a chance to witness both BMX competi- tions and live music. Francesco Cikku Frendo was coordinator for sorting all the bands and Karl Naja together with the Malta BMX Crew coordinated the BMX Competitions. The BMX Association would like to thank Bamboo Stores, Riot Boutique Cafe, The Free Way SurfStores – MALTA, Wheel Wizard (Malta), Jump Street, Pedal Power Malta, Epic Bikes, Red Bull, Visage Malta, Oakley Malta, Pepsi Malta, Twistees Malta u Urban Culture for all their support in making the event so successful. More info on the weekend and BMX School can be found on www.maltabmx.com or on Facebook: Malta BMX The BMX competition winners were: Game of BIKE Winner: Aaron Grixti Game of SKATE group A Winner: Zach Perci Calasoni Game of SKATE Group B Winner: Owen Lee Sciriha Bunny Hop Competition Winner: Gianni Zarah Big Air Competition Winner: Jakub Najman (Czech) Other results were: BMX Park Competition Group B: 1st: Deyan Caruana 2nd:Shemizen Azzopardi 3rd: Owen Borg BMX Park Competition Group A 1st: Jakub Najman (Czech) The young riders waiting for the start of the race. (Inset) The winners on the podium