Record number of doping tests at London Olympics, Paralympics

Jan 19, 2012, 15:19 GMT

London - A record 6,250 doping tests will be carried out at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, organizers said on Thursday at the unveiling of the Games' anti-doping laboratory.

The lab in Harlow, Essex, will see around 150 scientists examine the samples from the athletes, with the shortest turnover given at 24 hours. The whole anti-doping process will involve around 1,000 people, the organizing committee LOCOG said.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics saw some 5,600 tests.

'We have been able to create a facility to successfully and efficiently process 6,250 tests during the Games which has never been done before,' said London 2012 Chief Executive Paul Deighton.

'As we unveil the anti-doping lab we recognise the importance of a robust testing system and continue to show that London is ready to stage a successful Games.'

Olympic minister Hugh Robertson, who was present at the unveiling, said: 'We are doing all we can to ensure that there is no place to hide for drug cheats at London 2012. Our message to any athlete thinking about doping is simple - we'll catch you.'

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