Unusual measures have been taken by athletes to conceal their doping activities, yet Devis Licciardi appears to have taken it to an extreme.
Accusations have been leveled against the 27-year-old, claiming he used an artificial penis in an attempt to beat a post-race drug test.
After completing a 10km road race, the runner allegedly concealed this device in his underwear, attempting to siphon uncontaminated urine for the doping sample.
When Licciardi requested to ‘be alone’ while urinating, his plea was denied, leading to his capture in the act.
Today, Olympic officials in Rome are set to question the long-distance runner, who is part of the Italian Air Force team.
Should he be found guilty of attempting to cheat, he could face a significant ban.
According to the Italian National Olympic Committee, ‘An investigation has been initiated and Devis Licciardi will face an anti-doping disciplinary panel.’
Prior to this incident, Licciardi had experienced a difficult season, with the test occurring after the race in Molfetta, southern Italy.
This incident recalls a scene from the comedy film Withnail And I, in which the protagonist attempts to pass a urine test after a drink-driving offense using ‘unadulterated child’s piss.’
It’s worth noting that fake penises and containers of uncontaminated urine are readily available for purchase online.
