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Hossein Saveh Shemshaki carries the Iranian flag
Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP
Iranian alpine skier Hossein Saveh Shemshaki has apparently caused the first doping case at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
According to the international testing agency ITA, a doping control of the 36-year-old outside of a competition at the beginning of the week revealed a positive result for a banned steroid.
Shemshaki was suspended but can request the opening of the B sample and also appeal his suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The skier may not participate in competitions, training or support measures or other activities during the Winter Games, the statement said.
Shemshaki is in Beijing for the third time at the Winter Games.
The veteran competed in the Olympic races in Vancouver in 2010 and in Sochi in 2014.
His best Olympic result was a 31st place in the slalom eight years ago.
kim/dpa/sid
