IAAF accuses 'naive' scientists over doping data

In a strongly worded statement Saturday, the International Association fo Athletics Federations (IAAF) said two Australian scientists were wrong to use a leaked database of doping cases to conclude that doping as rampant and that many athletes had escaped sanction.

"We condemn the fact that two experienced scientists were naive enough to place themselves in a situation where their analysis of incomplete data is being used against athletes in the public domain," the IAAF said.

Claims based on whistleblower data

The allegations had been based on the examination of a leaked database provided by German broadcaster ARD and Britain's "Sunday Times" newspaper and containing more than 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes between 2001 and 2012.

Australian scientists Michael Ashenden and Robin Parisotto have claimed hundreds of athletes had returned "suspicious" doping test results.

But the IAAF says the scientists are not privy to internal mechanisms that deal with athletes who test positive for using performance enhancing substances such as drugs or steroids, an act commonly known as "doping."

The German and British media reports said that 146 medals - including 55 golds - in disciplines ranging from the 800 meters to the marathon at the Olympics and world championships were won by athletes who have recorded suspicious tests.

IAAF says many cases under review

The IAAF statement does not dispute these figures, only the central allegation that it failed to follow up on the results. It said that the scientists ignored that more than 60 athletes - many of them notable medalists - had been sanctioned since 2009 and that more investigations are ongoing.

"The two scientists were not, and still are not, in a position to know which cases have been sent to the independent panel for review, nor to know which cases are currently under review or under appeal," the IAAF said.

The international sports body had already defended itself Tuesday, but Saturday's statement was in reply to Parisotto and Ashenden saying on Wednesday that they stand by their findings.

Anti-doping agency defends IAAF

Also on Saturday, Professor Arne Ljungqvist, vice president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), declared his confidence in IAAF.

"The IAAF did more than others, before the others, but is now criticized by people, who have no insight into the work of IAAF, for not having done enough," Ljungqvist said in a statement.

jar/gsw (AP, AFP, Reuters)