Greek medal-winner fails drug test

A Greek Olympic medal-winner has tested positive for drugs, it was reported today.

Weightlifter Leonidas Sampanis, aged 32, had a banned substance in his system after being tested by anti-doping officials, according to Greek newsagency ANA.

Sampanis, who was born in Albania but moved to Greece aged 22, is the first athlete who has won a medal and later tested positive for drugs at the Athens Games.

His bronze in the Men’s 62kg competition, won on Monday, may now go to fourth placed Israel Rubio, from Venuzuala.

A spokeswoman for the International Olympic Committee refused to confirm or deny the report, but said an announcement would be made shortly.

It is a further embarrassment to the Greek Olympic team.

Earlier this week their top two sprint stars, Kostas Kenteris and Katrina Thanou were forced to withdraw from the Games after missing an anti-doping test.