| Salt Lake City |
 |
 |
| GER |
12 |
16 |
7 |
35 |
 |
| USA |
10 |
13 |
11 |
34 |
|
| NOR |
11 |
7 |
6 |
24 |
|
| CAN |
6 |
3 |
8 |
17 |
|
| RUS |
6 |
6 |
4 |
16 |
|
| AUT |
2 |
4 |
10 |
16 |
|
| ITA |
4 |
4 |
4 |
12 |
|
| FRA |
4 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
|
| SUI |
3 |
2 |
6 |
11 |
|
| NED |
3 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
|
|
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IOC launches extensive doping probe
By Lois M. Collins
Deseret News staff writer
The International Olympic Committee's medical commission has launched an investigation into what might be a case of doping from the just-completed 2002 Winter Games.
According to an IOC news release, cleaners early this week found blood-transfusion equipment in the closet of a home rented by an Austrian cross country team near Soldier Hollow. Cleaners found several bags in the Midway home containing blood-transfusion equipment, which was turned over by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office to the Salt Lake Organizing Committee's doping-control team.
According to information from SLOC, the items found in the back of a closet included blood-transfusion bags and sets with blood residue, as well as glucose bottles and vitamins.
IOC President Jacques Rogge has ordered an inquiry "using all scientific techniques, including DNA testing," according to an IOC written statement.
Only two Austrian cross country skiers medaled during the Games. And there's no indication those two athletes were involved in what might turn out to be a "blood-packing" case, which is banned under "prohibited methods" by the IOC.
Blood packing occurs when an athlete freezes blood (usually his or her own) to inject it between one and seven days before competition. With the infusion, the athlete's blood contains extra red blood cells and oxygen-carrying capability, enhancing performance. The effect is similar to high-altitude training.
It's a practice with some risks, including development of allergies, acute hemolytic reaction, possible kidney damage, fever and jaundice, possible transmission of infectious disease, blood clots and too-thick blood that doesn't flow well and could damage the heart.
E-mail: lois@desnews.com
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February 28, 2002
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