Dates: 23 July-8 August Time in Tokyo: BST +8 |
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Showjumper Jamie Kermond has been expelled from Australia’s Olympic team after testing positive for cocaine.
Kermond returned a positive A sample on 26 June in a test by Sport Integrity Australia, the anti-doping body.
“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,” said the 36-year-old.
He can have his B sample analysed, said Equestrian Australia.
It also stated it had spoken with Kermond “and support services will be offered to him”.
“I am extremely upset and remorseful as to what has happened and I accept full responsibility,” added Kermond.
“I am truly sorry as I have let a lot of people down including my family and team-mates.
“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.”
According to Australian reports, Kermond did not travel with the rest of the team when they flew to Tokyo on Tuesday.
“The Australian Olympic Team chef de mission Ian Chesterman has announced that the Australian Olympic Team selection committee met and has terminated equestrian athlete Jamie Kermond’s membership of the Tokyo 2020 Australian Olympic team,” the Australian Olympic Committee said.
Kermond was set to be part of a nine-strong Australian equestrian team headlined by eventing star Andrew Hoy, a three-time gold medallist competing at his eighth Olympics, and dressage veteran Mary Hanna at her sixth Games.
He was scheduled to make his Olympic debut on his horse Yandoo Oaks Constellation, but was not seen as a gold-medal contender.