Athletics: Ostapchuk avoids life ban

Nadzeya Ostapchuk
Nadzeya Ostapchuk
Shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk has been banned for four years after failing two drugs test but she won't be able to compete against Valerie Adams at the Rio Olympics.

Ostapchuk's name appears on a list of athletes suspended from competition for breaching IAAF anti-doping rules.

Adams had hoped for a life ban for the 33-year-old Belarussian but the four-year suspension will lift during the 2016 Olympics in Rio - it is a retrospective ban dating back to the London Olympics. Her ban ends on August 14, 2016, which coincides with the second week of the Olympics but it's unrealistic to think she could compete in Rio.

"4 years is not enough..WTF!!! Oh well, it doesn't change what I do tomorrow!!! #drugcheat #belarussians," Adams said on Twitter.

Ostapchuk tested positive for the anabolic steroid metenolone at the London Games after initially winning gold. She was then caught cheating for a second time last year when results from her gold medal-winning performance at the 2005 world championships were retested.

Ostapchuk will need to complete a handful of requirements prescribed by the IAAF, including the repayment of any prizemoney, the return of medals and passing four drug tests.

 

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