AIU warns athletes: You cannot refuse to give a testing sample or hide from Doping Control Officer

The Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU, the body whose role is to protect the integrity of the sport of Athletics, including fulfilling World Athletics’ obligations as a Signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, says athletes risk sanctions if they refuse to give a testing sample and hide from a doping control officer.

The AIU reiterated this stance after it suspended, provisionally, India’s Varsha Tekam for evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection.

A provisional suspension is when an athlete is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct.

‘Evading or refusing sample collection is a serious offence with severe consequences, as clearly outlined in Rule 2.3 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

‘The cases of Christopher Taylor and Sultan Haydar underscore why knowing and complying with this Rule is crucial,’ the AIU wrote on its social media handles.