Hungarian weightlifter fails drugs test

Hungarian Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Ferenc Gyurkovics has tested positive for a banned substance in his A sample, a team spokesman said yesterday.

"His first sample was positive," the Hungarian Olympic team spokesman said. He did not say what illegal substance was involved.

Gyurkovics won a silver medal in the 105kg weightlifting category at the Athens Olympics on Tuesday.

He is the fourth Hungarian athlete to face a possible ban from the Games after fellow weightlifter Zoltan Kovacs was expelled following his refusal to take a dope test, and hammer gold medallist Adrian Annus is still sought to provide a urine sample.

Earlier in the week the International Olympic Committee stripped discus gold medallist Robert Fazekas of his title after he also violated anti-doping rules when he provided an insufficient urine sample during a post-competition test.

But the Hungarian Olympic Committee rejected suggestions the IOC was out to get its athletes.

"I don't think the IOC or the World Anti-Doping Agency are on a crusade to get the Hungarians," Committee head Pal Schmitt said.

"Athletes from all countries have been controlled and caught. Look at the two Greeks (sprinters Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou). The IOC is strict and there are no exceptions," he said.

CAS action

Schmitt said the committee was determined to pursue the matter with the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the end of the Games.

The Athens Games have so far seen nine athletes being banned from the Games after testing positive to illegal substances while another four have been expelled or have voluntarily withdrawn for anti-doping rule violations.