Olympics Games:A record number of drugs tests will be carried out at the London 2012 Olympics, according to organisers.
Around 5,000 tests will be carried out - more than 10 per cent more than the Beijing 2008 Games where there were 4,500 samples taken. Of these, 20 were found to be positive either during or after the Games.
The London organising committee (LOCOG) will carry out the drug-testing programme under the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and have today signed a memorandum of understanding with UK Anti-Doping about delivering the programme.
There will be 1,200 further tests carried out at the London 2012 Paralympics.
Debbie Jevans, LOCOG’s director of sport, said: “We need to have a strong message that drugs cheats are not welcome at the London Games.
“The input of UK Anti-Doping, our new national anti-doping organisation, will assist LOCOG in the delivery of a world class anti-doping programme at the London Games.”
The agreement will see LOCOG to recruit specialist doping control officers, with the assistance of UK Anti-Doping, to volunteer in the LOCOG programme.
These volunteers will come from UK Anti-Doping, other national anti-doping organisations, international federations and local NHS Trusts.
LOCOG and UK Anti-Doping will also work together to provide doping control at test events in 2011 and 2012.
Andy Parkinson, UK Anti-Doping chief executive said: “UK Anti-Doping is pleased to work with and support LOCOG in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are partnering with LOCOG to develop a comprehensive programme of testing, athlete education and training for anti-doping volunteers in the lead-up to, and during, the London 2012 Games.”