Hondo defends suspended biathlete

Russian biathlete Olga Pyleva was stripped of her silver medal, thrown out of the winter Olympics and banned for two years, because she was found to have tested positive for Carphedon, a name unfortunately familiar to cycling fans. Sprinter Danilo Hondo, also suspended because of testing positive for the drug, has issued an emotional statement in support of Pyleva. Hondo blames the World Anti-Doping Authority itself for Pyleva's positive, saying the case, "could have been prevented, if the WADA would really fulfil its role in the fight against doping."

According to Hondo, "there is no drug with the name Carphedon. It would be more appropriate to say the chemical formula 4-Phenylpiracetam or the Russian product name Phenotropil." In the ruling on his case, Hondo says the Court of Arbitration for Sport, "URGENTLY told the WADA to correct the doping list in order to eliminate uncertainty and confusion -- but the WADA didn't feel this was necessary, even though they are interested in protecting athletes!"

Hondo also criticised the speed and manner in which Pyleva's case was conducted, saying, "The athlete is made responsible for everything. He has no more rights, the anti-doping organisations don't make any mistakes -- all in the interest of the Olympic spirit."