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IWF says Liao's four-year ban follows WADA Code

2011-11-22 10:43 Xinhuanet

BEIJING, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) stated on Saturday that it followed the strict procedure set out in the IWF Anti-Doping Policy and the WADA Code to impose a four-year ban to Chinese weightlifter Liao Hui.

Liao, the Olympic champion in men's 69-kilogram category, appeared on a list of 10 doping offenders issued by the IWF and will be banned until Sept. 30, 2014.

The IWF president Tamas Ajan said in a statement on the official website on Saturday that he "wished to ensure the weightlifting community that the IWF followed the strict procedure set out in the IWF Anti-Doping Policy in compliance with the applicable rules and the WADA Code".

The 24-year-old Liao was tested positive for the banned drug boldebolin in an out-of-competition check on Sept. 2, 2010.

"Mr. Liao Hui was under provisional suspension from 30th September 2010. This is when the athlete and his federation were informed of the out-of-competition test result done on the 2nd September prior to the IWF 2010 World Championships held in Antalya, Turkey," Ajan said in the statement.

"In case an athlete is found positive, all medals, results, and records achieved after the date of the Adverse Analytical Finding are withdrawn and cancelled."

Liao insisted on Friday that he was innocent after being told that he was suspended, and planned to bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"Tested in 2010, Mr. Liao Hui immediately requested the B sample. Following the result of the B sample, the appeal at the IWF Doping Hearing Panel was requested by the athlete. The IWF Doping Hearing Panel heard Mr. Liao Hui and took a decision in accordance with the IWF Anti-Doping Policy. They confirmed the result and imposed a suspension of 4 years on the athlete ending on 30th September 2014," Ajan said.

"Mr. Liao Hui is an emblematic figure of the international weightlifting field. He is one of my favorite athletes not only due to his sport performance, but also due to his personal character."

"He had an exemplary and respectful conduct on all events he participated in. His disciplined behavior, courtesy and outstanding personality leads him to be a role model for all," he added.

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