Weightlifters fail surprise dope tests

Weightlifters fail surprise dope testsTeam may miss 2008 Games

Eleven members of the Greek national weightlifting team have tested positive for banned substances, prompting the suspension of coach Christos Iakovou, in a development that jeopardizes the team’s participation in the Beijing Olympics.

“In surprise out-of-competition tests run by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) on the orders of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the samples of 11 (out of 14) athletes turned out positive,” the Greek Weightlifting Federation said.

Names of the athletes were not released pending confirmation of the March 7 out-of-competition tests.