Reedie optimistic over Rio drug-testing lab

WADA placed Brazil and five other countries on a "watch list" last November with the threat of being deemed non-compliant if they are unable to meet guidelines by March 18. There have been concerns over whether Rio will be ready to host the Games but Reedie is confident the drug-testing laboratory will not lose its accreditation.

Published : Mar 15, 2016 21:34 IST , London

WADA president Craig Reedie is confident the quality of delivery by the drug-testing laboratory in Rio during the Games will be good.
WADA president Craig Reedie is confident the quality of delivery by the drug-testing laboratory in Rio during the Games will be good.
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WADA president Craig Reedie is confident the quality of delivery by the drug-testing laboratory in Rio during the Games will be good.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Craig Reedie is optimistic that the drug-testing laboratory for the Rio Olympic Games will be deemed compliant ahead of this week's deadline.

WADA placed Brazil and five other countries on a "watch list" last November with the threat of being deemed non-compliant if they are unable to meet guidelines by March 18. There have been concerns over whether Rio will be ready to host the Games - which start in August - but Reedie is confident the drug-testing laboratory will not lose its accreditation.

He told Omnisport: "It would be extremely difficult for the Games organisers and the Brazil authorities if that situation arose. My information is that it will not and I trust that is the case.

"During the World Cup it was relatively straightforward, although expensive, for FIFA to send samples to the lab and they keep reminding me of that, but you can tell them in advance when tests are going to come.

"It's very difficult when you have first heats at six o'clock and the second at nine so every effort is being made to make sure this doesn't arise," he said.

"When they are compliant I'm sure the IOC will bring in some of our expert lab directors to make sure the quality of delivery during the Games is good.

"We have been working and working on it. If I'm a glass half full man, this is one glass half full that I'm relying on."

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