The Olympic athlete Peter Bol has been provisionally suspended by Athletics Australia after the 800m runner failed a doping test.
Olympian Peter Bol suspended after failing drug test.
Australian athlete Peter Bol, who finished fourth in the 800m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for EPO, Athletics Australia announced on Friday.
The middle-distance runner presented with an abnormal EPO result in an out-of-competition urine test carried out last October and was thus suspended on January 10 after approval by Sports Integrity Australia.
On Twitter this Friday, Peter Bol said he would exercise his right to have the backup ‘B’ sample tested. “It is extremely important to convey with the utmost conviction that I am innocent and that I did not take this substance”writes in particular the young athlete of 28 years.
“To be clear, I have NEVER in my life purchased, researched, possessed, administered or used EPO or any other prohibited substance”sued on social media the national record holder in the 800m, Commonwealth Games silver medalist and the first Australian to reach an 800m final at the Games since 1968.
Athletics Australia, who handed out the provisional suspension, said he is not allowed to train at a national or club level, compete, receive funding or use official facilities.
A statement added that Bol, who won silver in the 800m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, is “entitled to a fair hearing process to determine whether or not an anti-doping rule violation has been committed”.
EPO increases red blood cell mass, allowing the body to transport more oxygen to muscles and increase stamina and performance.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code, Bol faces a ban of up to four years if found guilty.
Bol said he is “provisionally suspended” and his athletics career is hanging by a thread, but is hopeful his B sample test will clear his name
“Above all, I remain hopeful that the process will exonerate me,” he said.
“My career, hopes and dreams are literally hanging in the balance over these next few weeks, and I ask everyone to respect my privacy as I remain provisionally suspended.”
Bol, an 800m specialist, made his Australian debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics and also competed at the 2017 World Championships in London.
Injury forced him to miss the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and he didn’t get out of the heats at the 2019 Doha World Championships.
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