French steeplechaser Gezzar tests positive for EPO

PARIS (AP) French steeplechase runner Nordine Gezzar has tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO and will miss the Olympics.

The French Athletics Federation says in a statement Friday he tested positive June 17 during the French elite championships. The 32-year-old runner finished fourth at the European championships in Helsinki that month.

Gezzar has been ruled out of the Olympics, which begin next week, and risks a lifetime ban for a repeat doping offense. He served a two-year suspension after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid and a diuretic in 2006.

The French federation adds it will make no further comment until the result of Gezzar's B sample is known early next week.

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