First positive doping test hits Paris 2024 hours before opening ceremony begins
A male judoka from Iraq tested positive for two anabolic steroids at Paris 2024, the International Testing Agency said on Friday (Saturday morning in Australia).
Sajjad Sehen, a 28-year-old first-time Olympian, tested positive for metandienone and boldenone in a sample taken in Paris on Tuesday (Wednesday in Australia).
He was due to compete next week.
READ MORE: 'Sabotage' claims amid horse whipping scandal
READ MORE: Tips: Grim Munster reveal not enough to stop Storm run
READ MORE: Twist as coach kicked out over spying scandal
Hours before the opening ceremony, Paris 2024 has had its first positive doping test. AP
Sehen is provisionally suspended while a disciplinary case is prosecuted, said the International Testing Agency, which oversees the games-time anti-doping program for the International Olympic Committee.
"This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity during the Olympic Games," the agency said in a statement released mere hours before the opening ceremony was set to begin.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
Sehen was due to compete in the men's 81 kilogram class, starting on Tuesday (overnight Wednesday in Australia) in the round of 32 against an opponent from Uzbekistan.
"The athlete has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport – Anti-Doping Division," the International Testing Agency's statement continued.
Australia's leading gold medal hopes in Paris: Swimmers, athletics stars, BMX racer among top shots
Australia's leading gold medal hopes in Paris: Swimmers, athletics stars, BMX racer among top shots
"The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample... Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments during the ongoing proceeding."
Sehen has not publicly commented on the matter.
