Anti-doping experts are taking an old but tested strategy to fight doping in the London Olympics in 2012, and that strategy involves domestic cleaners.
Officials will gather intelligence from cleaning staff, security personnel, customs officials and others, in order to target athletes, sports and nations most likely to cheat at the 2012 Olympic Games. Jonathan Harris, the anti-doping medical services manager of the 2012 Olympics, revealed that they will be carrying out some 5,000 tests among 10,500 athletes. Targeting the tests at the right people, with the help of this intelligence-based strategy, is key to ensuring a doping-free event.
Harris shared: “There will be intelligence sources from everything from security and cleaning staff to personnel working in functional areas. If they should come across behavior that is untoward, they should share the information.” He also stressed that “It’s not about the weight of the tests, but it’s about using those tests more effectively than before.”
There will also be a phone hotline for athletes, coaches or anyone associated with the Olympics to report suspicious activities or materials.
David Cowan, head of the Drug Control Center at King’s College London, reiterated that the 2012 Olympics would be the most tested Olympics yet and that those who plan to cheat in the games through doping should not bother attending.
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