Sotherton fumes as heptathlon star Blonska again tests positive

KELLY Sotherton hopes the career of heptathlon silver medallist Lyudmila Blonska is over after the Ukrainian failed a drugs test for the second time.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed that Blonska has been “removed from the Olympic Games” and that she will not compete in the long jump final.

The 30-year-old was given a two-year ban in 2003 after testing positive for steroids and it is understood Blonska has now tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

Anti-doping authorities will test the Ukrainian’s B sample today and if the positive test is confirmed by the IOC, she could be given a lifetime ban.

Blonska came second in the heptathlon with a season’s best score of 6,700 points, three places ahead of Sotherton, who said: “I’m totally not surprised by the news.

“I’ve been saying all along that she got caught doping when she was scoring 6300 points, how can she not be doping and scoring 6800?

“I have not seen any of her results since early June and then she comes out here and is producing good performances, which was suspicious.

“If the B sample comes back positive then that’s a life ban, which will bring an end to the saga — hopefully she will be finished.”

IAAF president Lamine Diack confirmed he had been informed of the failed test and that Blonska will have her B sample tested today.

He said: “On my way here I was phoned to be informed that Blonska had tested positive and that we have to go (today) to open the B sample.

“The IOC has to refer to the international federation president when there has been a positive test. I will have to be present at the B sample opening.”

An official statement confirmed that “due to the IOC decision to remove the Ukrainian athlete Lyudmila Blonska from the Olympic Games” her place in the final will be taken by Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbura.

Former Olympic champ Denise Lewis claims the heptathlon has been “spoilt” by Blonska’s positive

She said: “She’s been caught once before. I’m all for giving people one more chance but it’s obvious that if you’re going to cheat you probably will always be a cheat.

The case is expected to come before the IOC’s disciplinary commission and executive board, which meet today.

Blonska will be stripped of her silver medal. It would mean the USA’s Hyleas Fountain moving up to silver, Russia’s Tatiana Chernova moving up to bronze, and Sotherton’s official finishing position being fourth.