Ukrainian silver medalist in doping investigation

Associated Press

August 20, 2008 07:34 am

— BEIJING — Lyudmila Blonska of Ukraine is under investigation for a positive doping test and could be stripped of her silver medal in the Olympic heptathlon.
The International Olympic Committee said Wednesday it has opened a disciplinary procedure into Blonska, who finished second behind fellow Ukrainian Nataliia Dobrynska last Saturday.
The IOC disciplinary commission and executive board are expected to rule on the case Thursday.
Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, said he had been notified of the positive result by Gabriel Dolle, the director of the IAAF’s medical and anti-doping department.
“Yes, I’ve just been informed,” Diack said. “Only on my way here, Dolle phoned me to say this athlete tested positive. The process is under way.”