Russian rowers banned from Rio over failed doping test
Friday 1 July 2016 07:21, UK
Russia's men's quadruple sculls crew have been banned from the Rio Olympics after one of their members tested positive for a banned substance in May.
The World Rowing Federation (FISA) said trimetazidine was found in a urine sample given by rower Sergei Fedorovtsev in an out-of-competition test conducted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on May 17.
The 36-year-old competed a week later at the 'last chance' Olympic qualifying regatta in Lucerne where Russia finished first to qualify for Rio but they will now be replaced by third-placed New Zealand.
FISA said his 'A' and 'B' samples tested positive for the substance, which is typically used for the treatment of the heart condition angina pectoris and is a banned metabolic modulator. The 'B' sample was tested on Thursday.
The federation said "the results of all competitions in which the rower participated after 17 May 2016 are therefore automatically disqualified".
Fedorovtsev won gold in the quadruple sculls at the 2004 Games.
Russia's athletes have already been banned from competing for their country in the Olympics after a World Anti-Doping Agency report last year identified systemic doping in the country.
Swimming's world governing body FINA is also investigating reports of doping amongst Russian swimmers, while the country's weightlifters face a ban from the International Olympic Committee following re-testing of previous samples.
Rowing New Zealand confirmed earlier this week that three crews, including the men's quadruple sculls, had returned to training after missing out on qualifying for Rio, in case there were any failed doping tests and quota spots reallocated by FISA.
"We have appreciated the emotional ups and downs as the athletes first missed qualification only to be asked to remain in competition mode," RNZ chief executive Simon Peterson said.
"We are hugely disappointed that our athletes found themselves competing against cheats however very pleased ... they have achieved their goal of winning a spot at the Olympic Games in Rio."
