Oly: Doping scandals and drama all part of the Games

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2004
Oly: Doping scandals and drama all part of the Games

The number of drug controversies in Athens has surpassed previous Olympics, with a
total of 24 doping violations uncovered

Three champions were stripped of their gold medals.

Two were from Hungary -- the men's discus winner and the men's hammer throw champion.

The first was stripped of his medal after being caught trying to tamper with a urine
sample, while the other failed to take a follow-up drug test.

The women's shot put winner from Russia was also stripped of her gold medal after failing
a drug test.

A shot putter from Uzbekistan also failed a drugs test along with nine weightlifters,
two Greek baseball players, a Kenyan boxer, Spanish cyclist and Irish distance runner.

One of the biggest controversies involved Greek sprint stars COSTAS KENTERIS and KATERINA
THANOU, who pulled out of the Games in disgrace after failing to take drug tests on the
eve of the Olympics.

The host country also had weightlifter LEONIDAS SAMPANIS stripped of his bronze following
a failed drug test.

Fortunately, Australia was not embroiled in any drugs controversies at the Games.

Instead, the big controversy for Australia involved rower SALLY ROBBINS who dropped
collapsed in the closing stages of the women's eight final.

ROBBINS was labelled un-Australian -- as were her teammates for publically criticising her.

AAP RTV sal/mo/rca

KEYWORD: OLY CONTROVERSY (ATHENS)

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