Syrian hurdler disqualified

LONDON – Syria’s Ghfran Almouhamad, who competed in the women’s 400 metres hurdles event, has been disqualified from the London Olympics after testing positive for a stimulant, the International Olympic Committee said on Saturday.

“Ghfran Almouhamad, 23, provided a urine sample on 3 August 2012 in London that indicated the presence of methylhexaneamine. The analysis of the B sample confirmed the results of the A sample,” it said in a statement.

She had placed eighth in the second heat of the first round on Aug 5.

“The International Association of Athletics Federations is requested to modify the results of the above-mentioned event accordingly and to consider any further action within its own competence,” the IOC added.

She now faces a maximum two-year ban as a first-time offender. — Reuters