Cleaner discovers needles inside Commonwealth Games Athletes Village

DAYS out from the start of the Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games, a cleaner has made an alarming discovery inside the athletes’ village.

THE Commonwealth Games Federation has launched an investigation after needles were discovered by a cleaner at the Gold Coast athletes’ village.

CGF chief executive David Grevemberg confirmed the needles had been found and the matter was now under investigation.

Under the 2018 Commonwealth Games doping standard, a “no-needle” policy applies to athletes for the entire Games period.

Exemptions for things like medical conditions can be approved however Mr Grevemberg said he couldn’t confirm where or when the needles were discovered.

“The CGF medical commission responded to a report from a cleaner of the presence of needles in the athletes’ accommodation,” he said on Saturday.

Mr Grevemberg said all he was currently able to discuss was the discovery and the commencement of an investigation.

However, he said the CGF was committed to a zero-tolerance approach to doping and any athlete proven to have taken a banned substance would be thrown out of the Games.

“ASADA investigators have collected evidence and took statements from medical and athlete representatives of the CGA (Commonwealth Games association) and the CGF medical commission will be progressing discussions with the concerned CGA and their medical staff regarding a possible breach,” he said.

“We are absolutely committed to the fight against doping in sport and these Games will certainly do its bit.”

Needles have been found inside the village. Picture: Dave Hunt

Originally published as Cleaner discovers needles inside Commonwealth Games Athletes Village