Track and field

Track and field is the most affected sport by doping globally, with 3,443 registered cases (23.5% of all violations). Russian Federation leads in violations with 455 cases, while Stanozolol is the most frequently detected substance (332 cases). The average suspension length is 33.4 months. Track and field holds the #1 position among all sports tracked by the Anti-Doping Database..

Number of cases in Track and field Last 10 Years

International Association of Athletics Federations

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Sport Global Ranking
Global Ranking: #1 of 178 sports

3,443

Track and field cases

23.5%

Of all violations

14,670

Total global cases
Track and field's share of all violations 23.5%
3,443 of 14,670

Track and field dominates anti-doping rule violations globally, with 3,443 registered cases23.5% of all 14,670 verified cases in the Anti-Doping Database. With more registered violations than any other sport in the database.

Number of cases in Track and field By Country
Top Country: Russian Federation

455

Russian Federation cases

13.2%

Of global cases

3,443

Total Track and field cases
Russian Federation's share of Track and field violations 13.2%
455 of 3,443

Russian Federation has the most violations in Track and field with 455 registered violations, though cases are more evenly distributed globally. This represents 13.2% of the sport's 3,443 total cases globally.

The average suspension length for sanctioned Track and field athletes in Russian Federation is 33.4 months, longer than the global average of 30.1 months.

Substance use in Track and field
Most Detected Substance: Stanozolol

332

Track and field cases

9.6%

Of sport cases

1,359

Global Stanozolol cases
Stanozolol's share of Track and field violations 9.6%
332 of 3,443

Stanozolol has the most violations in Track and field with 332 violations out of 3,443 total cases (9.6%). Though cases are more evenly distributed globally.

Globally, Stanozolol has been detected in 1,359 cases across all sports, ranking #1 among all prohibited substances.

The average suspension length for Stanozolol violations is 34.9 months, longer than the global average of 30.1 months.


Stanozolol is a man-made steroid, similar to the a naturally occurring steroid testosterone. It is used in the treatment of hereditary angioedema, which causes episodes of swelling of the face, extremities, genitals, bowel wall, and throat. The steroid may decrease the frequency and severity of these attacks. Stanozolol is a steroid with anabolic properties (i.e. it accelerates bone and muscle growth). Stanozolol is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary male sexual characteristics such as hairiness, deep voice, etc. It is available as a tablet or injection. Anabolic steroids have some medical uses such as to build muscle in bed-ridden and immobile patients and in the treatment of some rare causes of anaemia. Anabolic steroids are primarily abused by young men to improve their body image and by athletes and body builders. It is because of this that illegal anabolic steroids are mainly found in the gym or health club scenes. The effect people seek from anabolic steroid use is an increase in muscle mass either for an improvement in appearance or sporting performance and to lower training fatigue. Side effects Possible side effects of stanozolol include liver damage, development of breast tissue, menstrual disturbances, hair loss, deepened voice, acne and infertility. Status in Sport Stanozolol is prohibited both in and out of competition under the World Anti-Doping Code 2006 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/06). This substance was added to the doping list ahead of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

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Number of Active Sanctions Ending Year for Track and field
Gender Distribution
Male 66.2
2287 cases
Female 33.8
1169 cases
Analysis: Track and field shows an unusually high proportion of female cases (33.8%) compared to the global average (19.8%), a difference of 14 percentage points. Global average: 80.2% male, 19.8% female

About International Association of Athletics Federations

World Athletics (formally known as The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)), the governing body for track and field, was founded in on July 17, 1912, in Stockholm, Sweden. It oversees international competitions, sets rules, and maintains world records.

The organization has changed its name two times since its birth. In 2001 the name became ‘International Association of Athletics Federations’ to reflect the growth of a professional sporting world which did not exist in 1912.
In 2019 IAAF changed its name again. This time to World Athletics.

  • Current President: Sebastian Coe
  • Current General Secretary: Jon Ridgeon

Over the years, World Athletics has evolved to adapt to changing times. It now focuses on attracting new audiences, especially young people. The organization is committed to promoting athletics as a sport for all, not just elite athletes. It organizes various events, including the World Athletics Championships and the Diamond League.

World Athletics is also dedicated to social responsibility and environmental issues. It aims to use athletics as a force for positive change in the world. By embracing innovation and adapting to new trends, World Athletics seeks to ensure the continued growth and popularity of the sport.

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The Anti-Doping Database currently contains 14,670 verified anti-doping rule violations across all sports and all countries, and is updated regularly.