AIU annuls eight Tokyo 2020 qualifying marks
Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has confirmed that it rejected eight qualifying performances for the Olympics
following confirmation that they fail below standard.
The revelation means eight athletes lost their position to feature in the Games although they body did not reel out the names of athletes affected.
The AIU said it received 17 referrals for investigation of suspicious qualifying performances.
The referrals were from 16 countries and included 31 athletes and five relay teams.
Eight qualification performances for the Olympic Games were disqualified as a result of the AIU’s investigations, while a number of other cases have been identified for further investigation to determine if fraudulent conduct was involved.
The AIU received multiple reports of suspected manipulation of competition results in order to seek qualification for Tokyo 2020 and has worked closely with World Athletics in investigating any wrongdoing.
The reported concerns covered unreliable photo-finish pictures, the short measuring of courses, illegal use of pacers, use of unauthorised field instruments and incorrect timings.
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“In preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, our team has been busy identifying, analysing and investigating potential instances of competition manipulation.
“Thanks to our investigations, World Athletics has refused to recognise several questionable qualifying performances.
“The AIU will continue to investigate these matters to determine if any fraudulent conduct was involved.