Australian track star Peter Bol reportedly passed “20 tests” after his bombshell positive result for a performance enhancing drug, it’s been revealed.
Athletics Australia on Friday confirmed the Olympics hero had been provisionally suspended after returning a positive result to EPO back in October when tested out of competition.
Bol strenuously denies taking any drug and is committed to proving his innocence as he awaits the result of a secondary B sample, set for completion next month.
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Australian athletics great Matt Shirvington described Bol’s positive test as “devastating” for the sport.
“Peter Bol to be caught up in a debacle like this is devastating for athletics in Australia,” Shirvington said on 7NEWS.
“His camp is very confused. Baffled by the situation.
“My understanding is that Peter Bol had not just this one test, but he has had 20 tests since this one (from October 11) as well, and only one of them has come back positive.”
Bol has handed over all technical devices including his laptop and phone to investigators in a bid to help clear his name.
He issued a strongly worded statement after his positive drug test was made public, pleading with the nation to believe him.
“It is critically important to convey with the strongest conviction that I am innocent and have not taken this substance as I am accused. I ask that everyone in Australia believe me and let the process play out,” he wrote.
“My career, hopes and dreams are literally hanging in the balance over these next few weeks, and I ask everyone to respect my privacy as I remain provisionally suspended.”
But Australian Olympic commentator David Culbert didn’t hold out much hope for Bol’s B sample results.
“I’ve never been in the boat of treating our athletes any differently to any other country. And as always you wait for the final outcome when there’s a B sample to come,” he posted on social media.
“But it’s very rare for the outcome to change between A and B. Less than 5%.”
SEN WA’s Paul Hasleby said he was “saddened” by the allegation against the WA Olympic hero – who was up for Young Australian of the Year this week, after snaring the title in his home state.
“It’s a massive story. We fell in love with Peter Bol at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“We heard about EPO before, (mainly with) distance runners and cyclists.
“You never want to hear it. It saddens you every time.
“We know how difficult it is to get off some of these cases. We’ve seen athletes try and fail before.
“EPO is one that would normal carry the maximum suspension.”
