Newsbook.com has just reported that is has a confirmation from Regatta Malta that no less that 14 anti-doping tests were conducted by AiMS’ doping control officers during the recent edition of the Freedon Day Regatta.
This news portal reported that after a string of Regatta editions in which rowers were consistently found to have tested positive for doping, this year appears to have marked a turning point.
Newsbook.com said that it can confirm that all 14 tests carried out during the Freedom Day 2026 Regatta, held in March, returned negative results. It was also the first time that such a high number of tests had been conducted during a single edition of this National sporting traditional event.
It is no secret that the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport had growing concerns over doping abuse within the sport. As a result, the Authority committed itself to an educational campaign over the past six months.
The report added that AiMS organised a mandatory meeting for rowers and senior officials from the respective club committees, during which anti-doping regulations were explained in detail. The session also addressed the issue of competition manipulation.
More information obtained by Newsbook.com resulted in a confirmation that during the meeting, led by Dr Sandro Camilleri Director Integrity at AiMS, a clear message of “zero tolerance” was delivered. The consequences of testing positive were also outlined, including suspensions lasting several months — and in many cases, even years. Rowers were also reminder that once an athlete is found positive that athlete is not only suspended from that Sport but from all sports both locally and internationally.
Newsbook.com spoke with officials from Regatta Malta that confirmed that during this year’s Freedom Day Regatta, all winners of the five Open Category races, as well as the winners of the Women’s Frejgatina race, were tested.
In addition to the 14 in-competition doping tests carried out during the Freedom Day Regatta — which was spread over two days due to inclement weather — AiMS also conducted no fewer than 12 out-of-competition tests in the weeks leading up to the event. These were carried out without prior notice during rowers’ training sessions.
Three of those out-of-competition tests returned positive results. The athletes involved, along with their respective clubs, were notified immediately and suspensions were issued through official letters of charge.
Newsbook.com concluded its report by adding that when contacted, an AiMS spokesperson confirmed that the rowers remain suspended and that their names will be published on the Authority’s website once the full process is concluded — either when the athlete admits the offence and accepts the suspension, or after the appeals process is completed if the athlete chooses to contest the decision.
