February 21, 2014 – Samples from the 2006 Turin Olympics belonging to Estonian cross-country skier Kristina Smigun-Vahi have been found positive report German and Norwegian sources, citing German radio station Deutschland Funk as the original source. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet officially commented on this case.

New developments in doping testing now make it possible to detect degradation products of anabolic steroids. The IOC recently ordered the re-testing of some 350 samples from the 2006 Turin Olympic Games. Apparently, Smigun’s four Torino samples indicate the use of anabolic steroids.

The Estonian Olympic Committee admitted last week that Smigun was under suspicion for doping reported the Associated Press. The article also noted the absence of positive doping tests at the 2014 Sochi Games, giving credit to rigorous doping control tests. – but only days later the first doping offense in Sochi was announce. Most of the tests are conducted in strength and endurance sports, notably cross-country skiing and biathlon, where the use of EPO and other blood-boosting drugs can aid stamina.

The IOC also now stores samples for up to 10 years for re-testing with possible new techniques such as those mentioned above.
Smigun-Vahi is the most successful Estonian female cross-country skier winning gold in the 10km CL and the 15km Skiathlon at the Torino Olympics where she was also the flag bearer for Estonia at the closing ceremonies. At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, she won silver in the 10km FR.

Smigun, who turns 37 this Sunday, denies having used banned substances. Meanwhile, Norwegian news reports suggest that, if Smigun is convicted, a re-attribution of 2006 Turin Olympics medals could be much to Norway’s advantage.

CTV.ca (Associated Press) here.
Weser Courrier (German) here.
Adressa (Norwegian) here.