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With all of the hype, rumors and story on two athlete's testing positive at the 2001 Mr. Olympia, namely Jay Cutler, and Markus Ruhl, there was lots of rumors that these two athletes would be disqualified. While Markus Ruhl would not stand to lose any money, Jay Cutler, who could of been named Mr. Olympia, would lose his second place ranking, $60,000, and be forced to requalify for next year's Olympia. Needless to say, none of that will happen now, as the IFBB has made an official response to all that was going on. Here is there response, from Wayne DeMilia, chairman of the IFBB Pro Division, and Jim Manion, chairman of IFBB Judges Committee.
Subsequent to the mandatory drug tests that took place at the Olympia Weekend of October 26/27, 2001, the IFBB was informed that two samples had tested positive for banned diuretics. As a result of this information, the IFBB took the initiative to scrupulously examine the drug-testing procedures that took place at and around the 2001 Olympia Weekend. After completing this investigation, the IFBB is confident that each and every one of the steps called for in the protocol of drug testing were meticulously followed at the event itself. However, as part of this investigation, it was discovered that the world-renowned laboratory employed by the IFBB is no longer designated as an official accredited lab by the International Olympic Committee. When the IFBB commenced its relationship with this highly reputable lab several years ago it was an IOC-accredited lab.
As the IFBB's Doping Control Policy calls for all testing to be undertaken by an IOC-accredited lab, the IFBB, committed to following the highest ethical standards, has no option but to declare the drug testing results from the 2001 Olympia Weekend null and void. Those athletes who had been informed that they had tested positive, Jay Cutler and Markus Ruhl, will keep their original 2001 Mr. Olympia placings of second and 14th, respectfully, and retain all relevant medals, privileges and prize money applicable to their placings.
We consider this decision to be one based on a pure technicality and in no way reflects on the integrity of the lab used by the IFBB, nor does it question the testing procedure followed by the IFBB at the 2001 Olympia Weekend. The IFBB is committed to following its official federation guidelines and bylaws to the letter. As a result, the IFBB officially announces that all future IFBB drug testing will be carried out under the auspices of an IOC-accredited lab to be determined before the commencement of the 2002 season.
With this decision, the IFBB reaffirms its strong commitment to the Olympic ideal of unity through sport, and fair and balanced treatment of all athletes.
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