Banned Czech sprint kayak crew member cleared

PRAGUE (AP) - International canoe authorities have canceled a six-month doping ban of a member of the Czech Republic's sprint kayak crew.

Jan Sterba tested positive for a banned stimulant during Olympic qualifying in Poznan, Poland on May 17. He was banned by the International Canoe Federation and this month, and Sterba appealed. The federation's arbitrary committee overturned the ban.

Petr Mokry, secretary of the Czech Canoe Federation's sprint section, said Wednesday officials are doing the paperwork so Sterba can compete at the Olympics. He is part of the K4 crew.

Sterba acknowledged he used a food supplement called "Shot Gun'' that contains the substance beta-methylphenylethylamine. He called the decision a "great satisfaction.''

Sprint kayak events in London are scheduled for Aug. 6-11.