A SOUTHAMPTON scientist today spoke of the "huge" breakthrough she and colleagues have made in catching Olympic drugs cheats.

Until now it has been impossible to test athletes for Human Growth Hormone (HGH).

But working with counterparts in Germany a team from Southampton University have come up with a test.

Clare Huntley, project manager of HGH 2004, said: "It is a huge thing. It is the first time that it has been tested in any international competition.

"It is something the IOC has been wanting to do for a long time."

The first four finishers at any final in Athens will undergo two blood and urine tests.

The first, carried out immediately after the event, will detect HGH abuse within 36 hours.

The second, carried out later, will be able to tell if an athlete has used the drug within 84 days.

Winners who have abused HGH face being stripped of their medals.

Ms Huntley will be among those going to Athens to oversee the process. They are expecting a legal challenge against the first positive result.

Ms Huntley added: "I would say without a shadow of a doubt HGH is being used in the sporting community.

"Hopefully people are realising they will be tested, they will be caught and they will be punished for it."