Wrestler, coach handed bans for life

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-3  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

CHINESE wrestler Luo Meng became the second Olympic hopeful to be banned for life after testing positive for a banned substance.

Luo follows swimmer Ouyang Kunpeng, whose positive test for the banned steroid agent clenbuterol was confirmed last week, in receiving the punishment.

First-time offenders usually get just a two-year ban but Chinese officials have cracked down hard on doping as the August 8-24 Beijing Olympic Games approach.

"This proves that our anti-doping system is working well," the deputy director of China's anti-doping agency, Zhao Jian, was quoted as saying. "We will catch those who dare to cheat."

Luo tested positive for using a banned diuretic, a weight-loss substance which can be used to get rid of the by-products of performance-enhancing drugs.

The wrestler's coach, Zhang Hua, also received a life ban.

"We welcome the tough stance the Chinese are taking by showing this example," International Olympic Committee medical commission chief Arne Ljungqvist told a teleconference.

"It is for them to take the action if they so wish ... it shows the seriousness with which they are taking that anti-doping efforts in their country."

In 5,236 tests conducted up to June 20, six other positive tests were recorded among provincial athletes - two divers, two from track and field, a weightlifter and another swimmer, Zhao added. Their punishments were not disclosed.

Zhao said that 80 percent of the tests had been conducted out of competition, without warning, and most had been directed at those preparing to take part in the Olympics.

Hurdler Liu Xiang had been tested six or seven times by the Chinese authorities in the first half of the year, Zhao said.