The International Olympic Committee announced that Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak, who failed a drug test, has been provisionally suspended from the Olympics in Paris.

The 27-year-old athlete participated in the qualification round and cleared 4.20 metres, but she was unable to pass 4.40 metres and could not advance to the finals. 

The Greek Olympic Committee (HOC) was notified of the violation by Greece’s anti-doping organization, but  the HOC did not reveal the identity of the athlete who was kicked out of the athletes’ village to avoid any more commotion. 

Polak denies the allegations.

The athlete remarked: “A few days ago something was found in my sample… I have never taken supplements or protein. It was below the level of what is banned so that is why I competed. I have an issue with iron and have to eat red meat daily and that must have been in the meat. I only know that the meat contained that substance.” 

 Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen, Afghan judoka Mohammad Samim Faizad and African Games boxing champion Cynthia Ogunsemilore of Nigeria have also tested positive for drugs at the Paris Olympics. 

 

Source: BBC