Rules respected in 1988 Olympic Trial cases

MonteCarloThere has been much speculation recently surrounding revelations by the former USOC anti-doping official, Wade Exum, regarding an alleged cover up by the USOC of a number of doping cases in the period from 1988-2000.  The speculation has focused on athletes who tested positive at the US Olympic Trials in July 1988, some of whom, reports have claimed, were subsequently selected for the US Olympic Team for Seoul and competed at the Olympic Games later that year. 

The IAAF is concerned that the continuing controversy over these cases is tarnishing the image of the sport unnecessarily and wishes to make its position clear based on what actually happened in 1988.

The IAAF has now investigated the matter thoroughly by reviewing the relevant documents from 1988.  It has been found that, although the names of the athletes were not disclosed, the IAAF was informed that there had been 8 positive findings at the US Olympic Trials in athletics for ephedrine and ephedrine-related compounds in low concentration.

The IAAF Medical Committee felt satisfied however on the basis of the information received that the cases had been properly concluded by the USOC as “negative cases” in accordance with rules and regulations in place at the time and no further action was taken.

For this reason, the athletes concerned who achieved the necessary qualification performances at the 1988 US Olympic Trials and who went on to compete at the Olympic Games in Seoul were eligible to do so in accordance with IAAF Rules.

IAAF