VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — European marathon champion Zivile Balciunaite has avoided a doping ban from Lithunanian officials.
The National Athletics Federation said Thursday there is “insufficient evidence to impose a ban.” It said it found no proof she took performance-enhancing drugs despite returning a test containing excessive levels of testosterone and epitestosterone
The track and field governing body can overrule the decision. If found guilty, Balciunaite could be banned for two years.
The IAAF said a test taken when Balciunaite won her title in Barcelona in July had uncovered excessive levels of testosterone, a male steroid, and epitestosterone, a natural steroid.
Balciunaite, who provisionally suspended in October, blames a drug prescribed by her gynecologist.
