The discovery of blood-transfusion equipment left in Soldier Hollow-area house occupied by Austrian athletes during the 2002 Winter Games has raised suspicions that the gear may have been used for blood doping. The matter is under investigation by the International Olympic Committee.
IOC officials have vowed to have analysts use all scientific means, including DNA testing, to identify the athletes involved. Credit IOC President Jacques Rogge for his outstanding leadership in general on this issue by sending a stern message that there will be no tolerance for doping in Olympic sport. We hope the IOC's hard line will resonate with all athletes.
In this new climate of accountability, it strains logic why Olympic competitors would take banned substances or "pack" their blood. Any short-term gain attained by taking performance enhancing substances comes at the risk of long-term damage to one's health. Even blood packing, in which an athlete takes blood, usually his own frozen earlier, and reinjects it in the days before an event to increase red blood cells and the blood's ability to carry oxygen, is dangerous. Moreover, these practices are illegal and unethical under IOC rules.
Beyond that, IOC officials have markedly refined their screening processes and are testing more athletes. The chances of getting caught are much greater. Yet, physical evidence left in a home rented by male members of the Austrian cross country ski team points to highly suspicious behavior. While the matter remains under review, the reckless manner in which this equipment was discarded is troubling on many levels. The equipment was discovered when a Midway woman was pricked by a needle in a plastic bag that also held the blood transfusion apparatus, tubing with traces of blood in it, vitamins and glucose.
It's possible medals could be stripped from athletes if doping is proven. But that may prove to be a steep evidentiary challenge. More likely, such athletes would be banned from competing in the respective sports for two years, which was the penalty handed down to six Finish skiers found guilty of doping last year.
This discovery was a black eye to the overwhelmingly positive 2002 Winter Games. Hopefully, the analysis ordered by IOC officials will link this equipment to certain individuals and the IOC or the governing bodies of their respective sports will level firm disciplinary measures.