Brazil’s hopes of securing an Olympic medal in the women’s 4x100m relay have been dashed following the Associated Press’ (AP) report that the country’s top sprinter, Ana Claudia Lemos tested positive for the anabolic steroid, oxandrolone.
The Brazilian Doping Control Authority notified the athlete of her failed test, before making a public announcement on Thursday. Lemos thereafter requested for her ‘B’ sample to be tested, and the results are still being awaited.
The 27-year old is a five-time GOLD medallist at the South American Championships, and is the continent’s Record holder in the 200m with a Personal Best (PB) of 22.48s. She also set a PB of 11.01s in the 100m last year.
Lemos has been described as Brazil’s biggest hope for a medal in the 4x100m relay. She finished 7th in the 4x100m at the London 2012 Olympics, but is now unlikely to compete on her home turf come August when Brazil hosts the rest of the world in Rio.
Photo Credit: (Wagner Carmo/CBAt)