(ATR) Spain plans on pursuing cheating athletes through an IOC-funded anti-doping program.
The Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) presented the program on Wednesday.
Fifty scientists contributed to the creation of the program, which will improve blood sample analysis by developing tests of the body's immune system that will indicate the use of banned performance-enhancing substances.
COE president Alejandro Blanco called doping a "scourge" and says the project's objective is to protect clean athletes and apply stringent penalties to those who attempt to cheat.
Spain has recently taken numerous measures against doping, including harsh fines for those who deal doping substances and the creation of a new anti-doping agency.
The country's poor anti-doping record is thought to have contributed to Madrid's lack of success in three recent bids for the Summer Olympics.
Written by Andrew Murrell
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