Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak has been provisionally suspended from the Paris 2024 Olympics following a failed doping test, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old athlete, who competed in the qualification round on Monday, had cleared a height of 4.20 meters but fell short of reaching the final after failing to surpass 4.40 meters.
The suspension came to light after Greece’s anti-doping agency notified the Greek Olympic Committee (HOC) about the violation on Monday.
In response, the HOC announced on Tuesday that a member of its team had been expelled from the athletes’ village due to the doping issue, although the identity of the individual was not disclosed.
Polak, who also competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has publicly denied any intentional wrongdoing. She addressed the situation in a statement on Monday, explaining that a banned substance had been detected in her sample. “A few days ago something was found in my sample,” Polak said.
“I have never taken supplements or protein. It was below the level of what is banned, so that is why I competed. I have an issue with iron and have to eat red meat daily, and that must have been in the meat. I only know that the meat contained that substance.”
The Greek athlete’s provisional suspension has added to the list of doping-related controversies at the Paris Games.
Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen, Afghan judoka Mohammad Samim Faizad, and African Games boxing champion Cynthia Ogunsemilore from Nigeria have also tested positive for banned substances, further intensifying scrutiny on anti-doping measures at the event.
Polak’s case is under review, and the final determination will depend on the results of further investigations and hearings. The outcome will be crucial not only for Polak’s career but also for the broader integrity of the Olympic Games.
