Olympic 4x400m relay candidate Debbie Dunn has withdrawn from the US team for the London Games after she was notified of a positive dope test result during the US athletics trials.
Dunn, who did not qualify for an individual event in London, said she did not want her case to be a distraction for the US team.
“I have been informed by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that a sample I gave at the US Olympic Trials contains an elevated testosterone/epitestosterone level,” said Dunn in a statement.
“While I work with USADA to resolve this matter, I am withdrawing from my relay pool position for the 2012 Olympic Games.
“I do not want any issue like this to distract from my teammates’ focus for the biggest meet of their lives. I wish Team USA the best in London as I work toward resolving this matter.”
‘B’ sample yet to be tested: official
USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart said Dunn’s backup ‘B’ sample was still being tested to confirm the result.
“As in all cases all athletes are innocent until and unless proven otherwise,” said Tygart. “In response to Dunn’s statements, USADA appreciates Dunn’s voluntarily removing herself from the Olympics.”
Vlasic upbeat despite heartbreak
Meanwhile, Croatia’s two-time high jump world champion Blanka Vlasic will not compete at the London Olympics because of a foot injury.
The 28-year-old caught a bacteria, after undergoing surgery on her left foot in April, that caused an infection putting into question her further recovery and competition at the Games and yesterday, she admitted she had lost her battle.
“I’ve been postponing the decision about my participation in London hopeful to get some positive wind into my back,” said the 2007 and 2009 world outdoor champion.
“But time is running out and I will not be able to get into top shape in time for the Olympic Games that start in less than two weeks.
“I feel this is only a minor set back in my career and I’m looking forward to many more years of successful jumping. This is my chance for a new beginning.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ