Russian swimmer Yulia Yefimova, who won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, has been banned for 16 months by the sport's governing body FINA for a doping offense.
The 22-year-old breaststroke specialist tested positive last October for the anabolic steroid 7-keto-DHEA, which speeds up metabolism and helps with weight loss, at an out-of-competition sampling in Los Angeles.
"The FINA Doping Panel decided according to the FINA DC Rule 10.5.2 to impose on the athlete a period of 16 months ineligibility, starting on Oct. 31, 2013 and ending at the conclusion of 28 Feb. 2015, for her first anti-doping rule violation," FINA said in an official statement.
Yefimova is not planning to appeal the decision, citing the costs involved and the absence of any guarantee that the ban will get overturned, website Sport Express reported Tuesday.
Yefimova has won three long course world championship gold medals and currently holds short course world records in both the 50 and 200 meters breaststroke.
Material from the Moscow Times was included in this report.
See also:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
