French Runner Claude-Boxberger Confirms Being Banned Due To Doping

Ophélie Claude-Boxberger confirms the news that she wouldn't be playing in the Tokyo Olympics following her ban due to doping.

Ophélie Claude-Boxberger is a French runner. She is a specialist in middle-distance running races. On Wednesday, the runner confirmed testing positive for EPO. This has led to her being banned for two years. Due to which Claude-Boxberger will not be participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

The runner had pleaded not guilty claiming that her ex-father-in-law and assistant had drugged her without her knowledge. She had pleaded for her innocence to the French Anti-Doping Agency which announced the ban.

In a regular doping case, the punishment is up to eight years while Claude-Boxberger has only received a backdated suspension. Her suspension ends this year on November 5. It is being said that the reason stated by Claude-Boxberger has influenced the hearing of the doping case given by the independent disciplinary committee AFLD.

She said in a statement given to AFP, " Given the health conditions, it's not a big disappointment to miss the Olympics." She further added that her goal is to aim for the upcoming Paris Olympics of 2024. Claude-Boxberger is aiming for the marathon in the Paris Olympics.

The runner further added, "I was facing eight years, so I could be happy, but I am not because I always asked to be acquitted. I always explained that I was innocent. "

The Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Some of the Indian women who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics are Lovlina Borgohain, Deepika Kumari, Priyanka Goswami, and more. Lovlina Borgohain would be seen playing in the Women's Boxing, 69kg while Deepika Kumari will be participating in the Archery. Priyanka Goswami will be seen in Women's 20km race walking, individual.