Slovenia's Ceplak set for 2-year doping ban
LJUBLJANA: Olympic 800 meters bronze medallist Jolanda Ceplak faces a two-year ban after Slovenia's athletics federation on Tuesday rejected any doubts about the validity of her positive test for EPO.
Ceplak, 31, who won European gold in 2002 and took Olympic bronze over the two laps in Athens two years later, tested positive for blood-booster EPO (erythropoietin) in an out-of-competition test on June 18. The B sample test confirmed the A sample finding.
Ceplak, the world indoor record holder in the 800m which she set in 2002, denies doping.
In September, the Slovenian federation's anti-doping commission was unable to reach a decision in the case, pending an additional investigation.
"All doubts about the tests' accuracy have been disproved," Slovenian Athletics Federation president Peter Kukovica said on Tuesday.
Expert testimony since from two noted biochemists and the Slovenian Athletics team doctor had dispelled any possibilities of testing irregularities, Kukovica said.
"After further hearings, we have concluded that all the proper procedures were followed," he added.
The case will now be turned over to the federation's disciplinary commission and a two-year ban is expected.
July's announcement of her doping charge and subsequent provisional suspension shocked this tiny alpine nation, where Ceplak is by far the most popular and well-known female athlete.
With her career on the track on hold, Ceplak has been working as an endurance trainer for Ljublana's Interblock football club.
Agencies
(China Daily 11/22/2007 page24)
