Sport Ireland has reported that no anti-doping violations in its annual report.
Sport Ireland Anti-Doping published its Annual Review for 2022, with no anti-doping violations reported and a record number of tests conducted.
In all, 1,415 tests were carried out by Sport Ireland Anti-Doping in 2022. Whereas as the testing covered 32 different sports. An increase of five per cent from 2021.
In total 993 urine tests and 442 blood tests were conducted a total of 1,435. 1,069 of the total tests taking place out of competition and 346 in-competition.
Athletics the most tested sport
Athletics continued to be the most tested sport with 218 tests in the year. Whereas, Rugby was second with 195, followed by cycling with 185. Meanwhile, GAA members came in fourth with 140. Rowing made up the top five also with 140.
Athletes were advised they could check the status of all pharmaceutical products purchased in the Republic of Ireland on the Eirpharm database (in January 2023 this was replaced with medcheck.sportireland.ie).
In 2022 there were 16,319 searches on this site. Whereas, this figure is a significant increase on the 11,821 searches the previous year.
Indeed, there were no anti-doping violations reported in 2022, with the number of unsuccessful attempts on athletes on the registered testing pool down by seven per cent from 2021.
In 2022, 51 sample collection personnel were re-accredited. Which is 12 more than in 2021.
“The figures from the 2022 Annual Report highlight the excellent work being carried out by the Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Unit to educate and increase awareness for our NGBs and Irish athletes” said Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May.
“Record high testing figures, no anti-doping violations being reported and increased engagement with the educational and research resources available all reflect on the significant work being carried out and we would like to acknowledge the effort that has gone in by the sector at all levels to deliver this”.
“It is clear that this education and awareness is the key to the programme’s continued progress and success”.
