LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Three-time Olympic cross-country skiing champion Julia Chepalova has lost her appeal to sport’s highest court against a two-year doping ban for EPO.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport says the International Ski Federation was right to ban Chepalova after she tested positive for the blood-boosting hormone at a Tour de Ski race last year at Val di Fiemme, Italy.
Her case helped lead to the International Olympic Committee and FIS warning Russia about its dismal doping record.
Chepalova’s suspension will expire in August 2011. It prevented her seeking a fourth straight gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
The IOC’s anti-doping rules would currently bar Chepalova from competing at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.