Doping control analyses during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The XXXII Olympic and XVI Paralympic Games in Tokyo were delayed due to COVID-19.
• A dedicated satellite facility operated by 278 staff, including international experts, supported doping control.
• The laboratory processed 5081 urine and 1103 blood samples for the Olympics, and 1519 urine and 500 blood samples for the Paralympics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the doping control analyses conducted during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• To highlight the implementation of novel analytical methods and technologies for anti-doping efforts.
• To report the findings of doping control tests, including atypical and adverse analytical findings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a paperless chain-of-custody system for efficient sample tracking and faster reporting.
• Implemented a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detecting erythropoietin (EPO) gene doping.
• Analyzed blood samples using dried blood spot cards for steroid esters and employed high-resolution mass spectrometry for comprehensive urine sample analysis.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the presence of prohibited substances, leading to 8 atypical findings (ATFs) and 11 adverse analytical findings (AAFs) during the Olympics.
• Identified 2 cases of homologous blood transfusion and 1 case of recombinant EPO in Olympic athletes.
• Reported 2 ATFs and 10 AAFs during the Paralympic Games.

Conclusions:

• The doping control operations at the Tokyo 2020 Games were successfully executed using advanced analytical techniques.
• Novel methods, including EPO gene doping detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry, enhanced the ability to detect prohibited substances.
• The findings underscore the ongoing challenges and advancements in ensuring a level playing field in elite sports.