EPO test developed by Australian scientists

Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, today welcomed news that the International Olympic Committee had endorsed an Australian test for the human growth hormone, EPO.

Senator Vanstone is Australia’s representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"This is a very important step towards efforts, not only by Governments, but also by sporting bodies, to ensure the Sydney Olympics next month are the cleanest possible," Senator Vanstone said.

"Until now there had been no reliable test for EPO. Thanks to the dedicated work of Australian scientists, with the support of the IOC, a test has now been developed and, subject to the IOC’s legal approval, will be available in time for next month’s games.

"Full praise should go to the Australian team which developed the test and presented its case to the IOC in Lausanne.

"Any athlete thinking about cheating should now think again."

See also www.australia.org.nz

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