Latest retesting finds 23 medalists cheated at 2008 Beijing Olympics - Los Angeles Times
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Latest retesting finds 23 medalists cheated at 2008 Beijing Olympics

The Olympic rings are silhouetted as fireworks light up the night sky during the closing ceremonies of the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games.
(Nathan Denette / Associated Press)
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In their continuing effort to reanalyze samples stored from previous Olympics, authorities say 23 medalists from the 2008 Beijing Games have tested positive.

The International Olympic Committee announced Friday that its second wave of retesting netted seven additional provisional positives from Beijing and 15 from the 2012 London Games.

“The new reanalysis once again shows the commitment of the IOC in the fight against doping,” said Thomas Bach, the organization’s president.

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In recent months, Olympic leaders have scrutinized 1,243 stored samples using updated technology. The campaign has resulted in 98 positive tests.

No athletes have been identified by name as their cases proceed through the anti-doping adjudication process. Numerous countries and sports have been implicated.

“All athletes found to have infringed the anti-doping rules will be banned from competing at the Olympic Games Rio 2016,” the IOC said.

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A third and fourth wave of retesting is planned in the coming weeks.

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