Ninth Aussie weightlifter banned for doping

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — Belinda Van Tienen has become the ninth Australian weightlifter banned for doping in three years with a maximum two-year suspension, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority said Thursday.

ASADA said it acknowledged the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to suspend Van Tienen, who was sanctioned for the use of prohibited stimulant, Benzylpiperazine, while representing Australia at the Mermet Cup in the United States in June 2005.

ASADA Chairman Richard Ings said Van Tienen was the eighth Australian weightlifter to receive the maximum two-year sanction for doping.

Ings said a ninth Australian weightlifter, Sergo Chakhoyan, was sanctioned with a lifetime ban for a second offence.

The ASADA chief said a 10th alleged...