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Athletes fear false drug test results Posted: Friday February 01, 2002 10:03 AMSALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Some 40 percent of U.S. Olympic athletes fear flunking drug tests even if they don't use banned substances and are concerned about the ability to catch real drug cheaters. The findings were contained in results of a survey of more than 700 athletes released Thursday by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for drug testing and education in American sports programs. The survey, conducted by the agency last fall, found 91 percent of the athletes said they would not take banned drugs even if they knew a major competitor was using them. It also found 81 percent said they would not resort to drugs even if such use would guarantee a gold medal. Athletes questioned knew the survey was being done by the USADA. "Most athletes compete clean, and believe in fair play and clean sport," said Terry Madden, the USADA's chief executive officer. "It is time to put the spotlight on this majority rather than the few athletes who dope to win." Among athletes responding, 84 percent said they did not use performance-enhancing substances because they considered it cheating, while 79 percent cited potential health risks. Three out of four athletes questioned said they supported in-competition and out-of-competition tests, and felt they should be tested at least once a year. But the USADA also said it was worried that a "significant number" of the athletes fear they will be caught by false positive test results and lack confidence in current testing. USADA spokesman Richard Wanninger said the survey number was 40 percent. "These are concerns that USADA will address through education, scientific research and improved testing," the agency said in a statement. Karen Casey, the USADA's director of educational programs, said the survey will be repeated each year and will help develop drug-education plans for athletes, coaches, trainers and parents.
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