Wada audit results on hold

Results from the World Anti-Doping Agency's audit of Jamaica's anti-doping programs will not be revealed any earlier than mid-November, a government official said on Wednesday.

Three high-ranking WADA officials arrived in Jamaica this week to look into the country's anti-doping programs after weeks of criticism following positive tests from several high-profile athletes.

But they left earlier on Wednesday without speaking to media and are not expected to provide any information before the Nov 12-15 World Conference on Doping in Sport in Johannesburg, according to Natalie Neita-Headley, the minister with responsibility for sports.

While awaiting those recommendations Neita-Headley said WADA has given no indication the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) was non compliant with the WADA code.

WADA president John Fahey had suggested the Caribbean nation could face severe penalties if declared non-compliant, prompting JADCO to expedite the visit after several athletes tested positive for doping offences this year.

Former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell, two-time 200m Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and London Games 4x100 relay silver medalist Sherone Simpson all failed drug tests and were left off of Jamaica's athletics team for the world championships in August.

- Reuters

(China Daily 11/01/2013 page23)