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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Olympians Adjust to Tougher Drug Tests

Athletes must keep agency up to speed on their whereabouts

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(Newser) – Many US professional athletes aren't accustomed to giving blood and urine samples during their off seasons, but with the Olympics approaching, that's all been changing, writes USA Today. The US Anti-Doping Agency requires all potential competitors to comply with a "whereabouts program" and submit to random screenings for HGH and illegal blood transfusions.

One benefit of the tests will be establishment of a baseline blood profile to use in the future. Most athletes seem to approve of the program and its goals, but occasionally find compliance problematic. "Sometimes I forget to give my location, but my mom helps out," says soccer goalie Chris Seitz.

The 2008 Olympic basketball team will likely face more rigorous drug testing than most players are accustomed to.
The 2008 Olympic basketball team will likely face more rigorous drug testing than most players are accustomed to.   (AP Photo)
Chicago Sky's Sylvia Fowles, center, says that although she doesn't like needles, she recognizes the need for more extensive drug testing during this summer's Olympics.
Chicago Sky's Sylvia Fowles, center, says that although she doesn't like needles, she recognizes the need for more extensive drug testing during this summer's Olympics.   (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
USA goalkeeper Chris Seitz says he sometimes has trouble with the USADA's
USA goalkeeper Chris Seitz says he sometimes has trouble with the USADA's "whereabouts program," but his mother helps him remember to check in with the drug testers when he travels.   (AP Photo/Ian Barrett, CP)
Cycling is one of the sports hit hard by blood doping in past years, and one that will get plenty of attention from blood testers in the runup to this summer's Olympic Games.
Cycling is one of the sports hit hard by blood doping in past years, and one that will get plenty of attention from blood testers in the runup to this summer's Olympic Games.   (AP Photo)
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