Zero positive dope tests for equestrian sport at Rio Olympics

All human and equine samples taken during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games have returned negative for prohibited substances.

The FEI revealed the details last Saturday (27 August), when it also confirmed 30% of the 200 horses competing at the Games were tested.

The 60 equine samples were sent to the FEI’s central laboratory in Newmarket, one of the five FEI-approved laboratories worldwide.

The final batch of results was returned last week.

Human testing, which is conducted by the IOC during the Olympic Games, also returned 100% negatives for the equestrian athletes that were sampled.

“Keeping our sport clean is a central part of our daily work at the FEI, but to have back-to-back clean Games in London and Rio is something for any sport to be proud of, especially as we were testing for more substances than ever before,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.

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He said the results come “on top of brilliant equestrian sport in Rio.”

“Two Olympic champions not only successfully defended their London 2012 titles, but they did it on the same horse, which is a fantastic achievement.”

“Germany’s Michael Jung won with Sam in eventing, and the British combination of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro topped an all-female podium in dressage, just as they did four years ago in front of their home crowd. And IOC president Thomas Bach was there to see them do it.”

The success of Nick Skelton in becoming the oldest Olympic jumping champion in history at the age of 58 was equally outstanding.

“Both Big Star and Nick Skelton had to overcome serious injury problems, so it shows that strength of character and determination really are key to winning at the highest level, no matter what the sport,” said Mr De Vos.

The team competitions “were just as thrilling” he commented.

“We owe a huge debt of thanks to the Rio 2016 organising committee. They were working in very challenging circumstances, but they produced a fabulous venue that provided the perfect stage for our equestrian events, and which will be ideal for the Paralympics as well.”

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