Greek pole vaulter disqualified after testing positive for doping

Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polakwas disqualified from the Paris Olympics after testing positive for banned substances, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Hellenic Olympic Committee had initially reported that a member of their team was expelled from the athletes’ village without disclosing her identity, which has now been confirmed as Polak.

Greek pole vaulter Polak suspended for doping: Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak is provisionally suspended from the Paris Olympics after failing a doping test, the International Olympic Committee says. https://t.co/0k1mSI9znd pic.twitter.com/Pyyhqcyz7C

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The Greek anti-doping agency informed the team of the violation on Monday, the same day Polak competed in the qualifiers. Despite clearing a height of 4.20 meters, she did not advance to the final on Wednesday after failing to surpass 4.40 meters and was subsequently listed as disqualified in the results.

Polak denies any intentional use of banned substances, attributing the positive test to her diet. “A few days ago, something was found in my sample,” she stated to reporters after competing in the qualifiers. “I have never taken supplements. It was below the banned level, so I competed. I have an issue with iron and need to eat red meat every day, and that must have been in the meat. I only know that meat contains this substance.”