Australian Olympic athlete Peter Bol was provisionally suspended by Athletics Integrity Union (AIU) after he failed an out-of-competition doping test.
Bol, an 800m athlete, denied the allegations that he doped after the A sample taken from him in October 2022 returned positive.
The result showed that the 28-year-old tested positive for synthetic EPO, a performance-enhancing agent that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list.
Also Read: Technique Naftali Temu Used to Win Kenya’s First Olympic Gold Medal
“It is critically important to convey with the strongest conviction that I am innocent and have not taken this substance as I am accused. I ask that everyone in Australia believe me and let the process play out," part of his statement read.
Bol noted that he found out about the results last week and describe his reaction as a total shock.
“To be clear, I have never in my life purchased, researched, possessed, administered, or used synthetic EPO or any other prohibited substance," the statement read in part.
He disclosed that he already turned in his laptop, iPad and phone to Sports Integrity Australia to prove his innocence.
In his statement, he also noted that he requested a B sample be analysed.
“Given the subjective nature of interpreting this kind of test, I have asked that the lab perform a secondary confirmation.
Bol has expressed his hope to get exonerated as his career depends on the results from the B sample analysis
After the suspension, the 28-year-old will not be allowed to train at a national, state, or club level, compete at any level, coach, receive funding, use official or member facilities or hold a position with a sports organization.
Bol is Australia's national 800m record holder as well as a Commonwealth Games silver medallist.
He made history at the 2020 Olympics when he became the first Australian to reach an 800m final at a Games since 1968.
Also Read: Paul Tergat Lands World Athletics Role