Pechstein denied
October 1, 2010
In the latest attempt to resume her professional career as a speedskater, Germany's Claudia Pechstein has lost an appeal at the Swiss Federal Court against a two-year doping ban from the sport.
Pechstein was given the ban by the International Skating Union in 2009 for irregular results of a blood test known as a biological passport. She has never actually tested positive for a banned substance.
Before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Pechstein appealed to the Court of Appeals in Sport (CAS) to be able to compete at the Games. She lost that decision, and since the CAS is located in Switzerland, made an appeal with the Swiss Federal Court.
Pechstein has claimed the blood irregularities stem from a hereditary disorder she inherited from her father that caused high levels of red blood cells.
The competition ban on Germany's most successful speed skater ends in February, 2011. Pechstein has won five Olympic gold medals.
Author: Matt Zuvela (AFP, AP, dpa)
Editor: Chuck Penfold