Australian Olympic showjumper Jamie Kermond suspended after testing positive for cocaine
Australian Olympic showjumper Jamie Kermond suspended after testing positive for cocaine
On the opening day of Tokyo Olympic 2020, controversy has engulfed Australia's Olympic squad,
with showjumper Jamie Kermond being provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia after
returning a positive A-sample for cocaine.
In a press release on Wednesday morning, Equestrian Australia announced that a test conducted by Sports Integrity Australia on June 26, 2021, had yielded an undesirable result.
Cocaine is a forbidden substance in competition, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency's code. While the provisional suspension is in effect, Kermond is barred from all competition, including the Olympics.
Kermond, who helped win Australia's team quota at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, was set to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo, riding Yandoo Oaks Constellation.
The Victorian, who is 36 years old, is now in limbo. He can have his B-sample examined under Australia's anti-doping programme.
Equestrian Australia has attempted to contact Kermond on behalf of Guardian Australia.
Kermond has been contacted by Equestrian Australia, which has assisted him.
The AOC has some breathing room because the team and individual jumping events are not planned until the second week of the Games.
Kermond, who competes on the lucrative European circuit, was one of nine Australian equestrian athletes chosen for the Olympics in Tokyo.
After Rowan Willis, the country's top showjumper backed out, the team's three showjumpers went to Japan without a reserve.
In a press release on Wednesday morning, Equestrian Australia announced that a test conducted by Sports Integrity Australia on June 26, 2021, had yielded an undesirable result.
Cocaine is a forbidden substance in competition, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency's code. While the provisional suspension is in effect, Kermond is barred from all competition, including the Olympics.
Kermond, who helped win Australia's team quota at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, was set to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo, riding Yandoo Oaks Constellation.
The Victorian, who is 36 years old, is now in limbo. He can have his B-sample examined under Australia's anti-doping programme.
Equestrian Australia has attempted to contact Kermond on behalf of Guardian Australia.
Kermond has been contacted by Equestrian Australia, which has assisted him.
The AOC has some breathing room because the team and individual jumping events are not planned until the second week of the Games.
Kermond, who competes on the lucrative European circuit, was one of nine Australian equestrian athletes chosen for the Olympics in Tokyo.
After Rowan Willis, the country's top showjumper backed out, the team's three showjumpers went to Japan without a reserve.