Date:19/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081957062100.htm

Sport - Olympic Games

IOC formally expels Halkia

Beijing: The IOC formally expelled Greek hurdler Fani Halkia from the Beijing Olympics today for doping and urged Greek authorities to investigate her coach for possible criminal violations.

Halkia, the 2004 Olympic women’s 400-meter hurdles champion, tested positive for the steroid methyltrienolone at a Greek training camp in Japan on Aug 10 before arriving in Beijing.

Notified of the result, she pulled out of the games on Sunday and flew home to Greece.

The International Olympic Committee, which set up a disciplinary commission to investigate the case, said Halkia had been officially kicked out of the games and had her accreditation revoked.

The IOC asked the International Association of Athletics Federations to take any further sanctions. Under global anti-doping rules, Halkia faces a two-year ban for a steroid offence.

In addition, the IOC said it was reporting the matter to Greek authorities and requesting they investigate possible violations of Greek law, in particular by her coach, George Panagiotopoulos.

The IOC said it reserved the right to take sanctions against the coach. — AP