Kayak gold medallist faces doping probe

 

Australian Canoeing says London Olympics kayak gold medallist Tate Smith has been provisionally suspended pending an investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Chief executive Greg Doyle issued a statement saying Australian Canoeing is aware of media reports about Smith, who was a member of the Australian team that won the K4 event in London in 2012.

If Smith is found guilty of breaching the World Anti-Doping Agency code, he would reportedly become the first Australian gold medallist to be banned for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Brisbane's Courier Mail newspaper said the 32-year-old Smith tested positive for a banned substance during a training camp in Hungary in July. The newspaper said Smith could lose his London medal and faces a two-year ban which would prevent him defending his title in Rio de Janiero.

The Courier Mail quoted a spokesperson as saying the Australian Olympic Committee is "aware of the investigation and we are following it closely."

The newspaper said Smith had not returned its phone calls and ASADA had issued a statement saying it was unable to discuss operational matters.

Doyle said Australian Canoeing "is unable to make any comment in ...more