Kazakhstan athlete's doping-test is testosterone positive

Secretary General of Kazakhstan Athletics Federation Aleksei Kondrat confirmed that athlete Olga Tereshkova was suspended from participation in tournaments on doping suspicions, Tengrinews.kz. “We have received results of her “A” test taken during the Asian Athletics Championship in Japan. The test showed that acceptable testosterone level was exceeded in Tereshkova’s blood. But the excess was minimal. Nominal allowed level is 4 units, while her level was 0.0884 units higher,” Secretary General said. According to him, the test results of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) do not indicate any particular substance in Tereshkova’s blood. They only state that testosterone is slightly above the normal. The athlete says she never used doping. She is planning send a letter to the WADA asking for additional tests. “There are several possible reasons for excessive testosterone level. It could be fatigue, high loads or frequent flights. She made tests in Japan and doctors say that radiation could also be a reason,” Kondrat added. The testosterone positive result was received prior to the Universiade in China, but the organizational committee received the results only some time after the tournament, so Tereshkova was completely eligible for the games and won a bronze medal at 400m. In case she cannot prove her innocence, she will have to return the medal. “She is suspended for the investigation period. That is why she didn’t take part in the World Championship in South Korea. We have to submit a proof to the WADA by the end of November. If we cannot lift the charges from her, Tereshkova will be disqualified for two years, as this is a serious violation,” Secretary said. Tereshkova won gold in 400m race of the Asian Championship in Kobe, Japan. She also helped Kazakhstan national team win silver in 4 x 400m relay. These medals can also be cancelled. Besides, Tereshkova could miss London Olympics in 2012, which she already has license for.