Weightlifting coach Odysseas Dimas arrested for distributing illegal performance-enhancing substances

On November 12, 2026, Greek police arrested 58-year-old weightlifting coach Odysseas Dimas, the brother of Olympic champion Pyrros Dimas, in the Attica region. Following a multi-month investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Division in cooperation with the Hellenic Anti-Doping Organization (EOKAN) and the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), authorities charged the suspect with violating sports and pharmaceutical regulations. Investigators allege that since at least April 2024, Dimas supplied and administered prohibited performance-enhancing substances to various athletes, including his own underage son. During the operation, police seized 871 illegal pharmaceutical items, 17 athlete licenses, and 15,000 euros.

Evidence surfaced during the investigation that the underage son tested positive for oxandrolone, a substance on the WADA prohibited list, after receiving it from his father during a competition. As a result of this specific incident, the coach received a 12-year ban, while his son was suspended for 10 months. The suspect is currently facing criminal prosecution as legal authorities continue their investigation into his activities within the sports sector.