Weightlifters Face Doping Allegations: Rio 2016 Controversy Resurfaces

Weightlifters Mohamed Mahmoud of Egypt and Alexandr Spac of Moldova have been flagged for doping violations from the 2016 Rio Olympics following retests. Mahmoud, a bronze medalist, and Spac, who placed fifth, tested positive for banned substances. They now face potential disqualification, affecting medal reallocations and upcoming competitions.

Weightlifters Mohamed Mahmoud from Egypt and Alexandr Spac from Moldova have been flagged for doping violations retroactively detected from the 2016 Rio Olympics samples, according to the International Testing Agency (ITA).

The ITA disclosed on Wednesday that Mahmoud, who won bronze in the men's 77kg category, and Spac, who finished fifth, both tested positive for a non-specified banned substance listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The athletes have the right to request a B-sample analysis, but failure to do so will result in an automatic doping violation.

Due to these findings, neither Mahmoud nor Spac, who previously failed a drug test at the 2017 European weightlifting championships, will compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. This incident adds to the weightlifting community's notorious doping problems, which have prompted the International Olympic Committee to reconsider its inclusion in future Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)