New anti-doping law nabs first offender at Tokyo Olympics | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

New anti-doping law nabs first offender at Tokyo Olympics

16 January, 2022

Prosecutors have charged the first person under the Rodchenkov Act after a man allegedly supplied drugs to athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.

Eric Lira, a therapist from Texas, allegedly distributed multiple drugs including human growth hormone.

Prosecutors said his actions were "for the purpose of corrupting the Games".

The Rodchenkov Act - signed into law in 2020 - allows prosecutors to pursue individuals involved in doping schemes at events featuring US athletes.

Prison sentences of up to 10 years can be administered, as well as fines of up to $1m (£730,000).

The law is named after Russian whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, who fled Russia after being involved in the country's state-sponsored doping of athletes.

Lira - who has been taken into federal custody - is the first person charged under the act and he is also accused of conspiring with others to violate America's drug and adulteration laws.

(BBC Sports)

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