ATHLETICS IRELAND TODAY confirmed an Irish athlete, known to be Mullingar sprinter Steven Colvert, has failed a drugs test.
In a statement, the organisation said:
“[We have] been informed by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) that an Irish athlete has tested positive for a banned substance.
“In following the strict procedures applying to an adverse analytical finding, the athlete in question has been informed and has the opportunity to have a “B” sample tested and to attend a hearing with the ISC to present the athlete’s case.
“Athletics Ireland will not comment further until all elements of due process associated with the anti-doping programme in respect of the athlete are completed.”
While Athletics Ireland have not named the athlete in question, the reigning Irish 200m champion Colvert gave an interview to the Irish Examiner this morning in which he admitted to the adverse analytical finding for recombinant erythropoietin, more commonly known as EPO.
However, the Crusaders athlete also insisted the failed test was an error and he would do everything he could to clear his name.