Lyubov Ivanova of Russia has been banned for two years by the
Russian Athletics Federation after testing positive for a banned
substance.
Ivanova, who won the European 3,000m steeplechase title in 2003,
tested positive for an unspecified steroid after finishing fourth
at the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany, in
September.
The ban took effect Friday and should be ratified by the
International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Nine Russian athletes had failed tests this season, according to
the Russian Athletics Federation.
(Xinhua News Agency?December 25, 2006)
