Controversy hit Australia’s Olympic team on the first day of sporting action in Tokyo, with a remorseful Jamie Kermond kicked off the team after the showjumper tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine.
Australia’s chef de mission at the 2020 Games, Ian Chesterman, confirmed on Wednesday that Kermond’s membership of the team had been terminated after he had brought the sport into disrepute.
Equestrian Australia advised on Wednesday morning that an A-sample test conducted by Sport Integrity Australia on 26 June this year had returned the adverse result.
Kermond, a three-time Australian champion, was provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia and was barred from all competition, including the Olympics.
“It is likely that the positive result was from a single recreational use of the drug at a social event and had no connection with my sport of equestrian,” Kermond said in a statement.
“I am extremely upset and remorseful as to what has happened and I accept full responsibility. I am truly sorry as I have let a lot of people down including my family and teammates.
“Hopefully one day I can be forgiven for my mistake [and make] amends through better actions and continued contribution to the sport I know and love.”
Cocaine is an in-competition prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code. Under Australia’s anti-doping policy, Kermond can request to have his B-sample analysed.
The 36-year-old Victorian was due to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo, riding Yandoo Oaks Constellation, having helped secure Australia’s team quota at the 2018 World Equestrian Games Team.
A spokesperson from the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed that it had been made aware of the provisional suspension, while Equestrian Australia said it had spoken with Kermond and offered him support services.
Kermond, who competes on the lucrative European circuit, was one of a nine-strong contingent of Australian equestrian athletes selected for Tokyo.
The team and individual jumping events are not scheduled until the second week of the Games.
The three showjumpers on the team travelled to Japan without a reserve after Rowan Willis – the country’s top-ranked jumper – pulled out.
With Kermond now suspended and Willis not in Tokyo, the AOC will now be forced to explore its options for the athletes affected.