A day in sport hardly passes any more without some doping story. Today the Irish Sports Council in conjunction with WADA have provided a glimpse into the drug testing regime in 2012. 787 tests were carried out last year in 31 different sports. Here's an infographic they prepared for the day:
While more tests were carried out last year, the ISC say that testing has become more targeted.
Blood tests increased by 204%
— Irish Sports Council (@sportireland) February 13, 2013
Of those nearly 800 tests, only 8 came back positive for doping. Of those 8, four were for cannibis use, which was hardly the most popular drug in Balco lab.
Of the 787 tests conducted by the Irish Sports Council - 8 tested positive for Doping violations. 4 from supplements. 4 from cannabis.
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) February 13, 2013
Here's a breakdown of the 8 positive - the great Irish Tug of War doping scandal of 2012 is largely to blame. The footballer in question is Drogheda's Shane Grimes.
the cannabis +s - 2 weightlifters, a cyclist & a motorsports person. other +s all for methylhexamine - 3 tug of war, 1 soccer player
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) February 13, 2013
Interestingly there were 12 'unsuccessful attempts at test' last year, with eight of those coming from the GAA.
There were 12 unsuccessful attempts attests in 2012 including 8 in the GAA.
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) February 13, 2013
