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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) expressed its concern this morning at the serious breach of confidentiality that occurred when details of Ian Thorpe's drug test results were leaked to the French newspaper L'Equipe.
"WADA is especially shocked that the name of an athlete was apparently given to the media while no adverse analytical finding has been determined at this point," the body said in a statement.
"This particular case has not led to an analytical positive result, but is rather an unusual situation which is subject to further inquiry," it said without naming Thorpe.
"Only when this process is completed and if an adverse analytical finding is then made, will WADA be informed of an athlete's name."
Five-times Olympic swimming champion Thorpe produced a sample in May 2006, before his retirement from the sport, that showed elevated levels of naturally-occurring hormones.
Swimming and doping officials have confirmed that Thorpe did not fail the test and there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing but the Australian believes his reputation has been tarnished.
Swimming's world governing body FINA have promised to carry out a full investigation into the leak.
"As the international body responsible for monitoring the global fight against doping in sport, WADA expects the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) will deal responsibly with the matter," WADA said.
"The apparent provision of an athlete's name to the media when it should have been kept confidential is unacceptable."
WADA said it would discuss ways to strengthen confidentiality provisions as part of its World Anti-Doping Code review, which culminates at a conference in Madrid from Nov 15 to 17.
- REUTERS
