FIS MEDIA INFO VANCOUVER 2010: 2 start prohibitions issued due to too high haemoglobin values

Whistler, February 14th, 2010//- In the course of the pre-competition blood testing carried out by FIS at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 whereby all Cross-Country and Nordic Combined athletes will be tested prior to their first Olympic competition, the following athletes have been issued with a start prohibition for five consecutive days due to too high haemoglobin values:

Nordic Combined
Niyaz NABEEV (RUS), start prohibition from 12th until and including 16th February

Cross-Country
Kaspar KOKK (EST), start prohibition from 12th until and including 16th February

Please note: This prohibition from participating in the competition(s) is NOT a sanction, but is instituted to protect the health of the athlete. Consequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken. A new blood test is required for the athletes to be allowed to start in their first Olympic competition.

FIS Blood Testing
In the four days of testing, 304 athletes have been tested. The total number of Cross-Country and Nordic Combined athletes participating in the XXI Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 is 310 and 55, respectively.

The FIS Blood Testing program at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is carried out in accordance with Articles FIS.B.3 - 4 of the FIS Anti-Doping Rules which define the following parameters and procedures:

Blood Values
Hb (g/dL) 17.0 or higher (men) 16.0 or higher (ladies)
Reticulocyte value <0.2% and >2% (all)

Start Prohibition
An athlete with haemoglobin concentration that measures equal to or exceeds the values stated above after two consecutive measurements, is according to article FIS.B.4.1 FIS Anti- Doping Rules not allowed to start at any competitions for five (5) consecutive days, including the day on which the test took place, and then only subject to the results of a new blood test.

An athlete showing a Haemoglobin z-score or a Haemoglobin OFF z-score ≥ 3.09, respectively an OFF-score model ≥ 125.6 in males / ≥ 113.5 in females, OR a positive Bayesian model, is according to articles FIS.B.2-FIS.B.4.4 FIS Anti-Doping Rules not allowed to start at any competitions for fourteen (14) consecutive days, including the day on which the test took place, and then only subject to the results of a new blood test.

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About FIS
Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. It administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), FIS stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

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For further references please consult:

FIS FACT SHEET: FIS Anti-Doping Program prepared for the Olympic Winter Games 2010
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/news/pressreleases/press-releases-2010/pre-games-anti-doping-up.html  

FIS FACT SHEET: Frequently Asked Questions - FIS Start Prohibition
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/news/pressreleases/press-releases-2010/fact-sheet-start-prohibi.html

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