'Devastated' Norwegian skier Johaug returns positive test
ByReuters
Published 13/10/2016 at 13:17 GMT
Norwegian cross-country skier Therese Johaug says she is 'devastated' after her country's skiing federation confirmed the 28-year-old recorded a positive test for a banned substance found in sunburn cream.
Winner Therese Johaug of Norway reacts at the finish line of the ladies cross-country skiathlon 7,5 km classic and 7,5 km free race during the 2015 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, Sweden, on February 21, 2015. AFP PHOTO / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND
Image credit: AFP
According to the federation, the reigning World Cup champion used the cream bought by her doctor at an Italian pharmacy last month without knowing that it contained the banned anabolic steroid clostebol.
"Johaug has tested positive after using a cream on a sunburnt lip," a Norwegian Ski Federation statement said.
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Therese Johaug of Norway
Image credit: AFP
Johaug, who won the first of her two World Cup titles in 2014, has also claimed three Winter Olympics medals, including a gold in the women's 4x5 km relay at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and seven world championship titles.
"I am devastated and despairing after getting into this very difficult and, for me, unreal situation," Johaug said in a statement.
She said she felt the finding was unfair, but said: "I am of course aware of the responsibility I have as an athlete for the medicine I use."
Norway's anti-doping agency was expected to decide on any sanctions at a later date, the Ski Federation added.
Earlier this year, Norwegian cross country skier Martin Johnsrud Sundby lost his World Cup and Tour de Ski titles from the 2014-15 season after a mix-up over the administration of asthma medicines.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Sundby had violated World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. It also gave him a two-month ban.
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