Lombard given provisional ban

Irish distance runner Cathal Lombard has been provisionally suspended and is set to receive a two-year ban following his admission he took banned substance EPO.

The suspension was announced yesterday by the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) after Lombard waived his right to have his B sample tested.

The AAI statement said: “The Athletic Association of Ireland has received the enclosed statement from Cathal Lombard.

“The AAI is happy that the athlete has waived his right for the analysis of the ‘B’ sample, has foregone his right to a hearing and accepted the suspension, which will follow.

“The AAI has notified the athlete that he is provisionally suspended. The AAI expect a two-year suspension will follow.

“The Athletic Association of Ireland acknowledges the co-operation of the athlete at all times during this difficult time.

“We wish to congratulate the Irish Sports Council on their Anti-Doping Programme and commit ourselves to continuing our close co-operation.”

In his letter Lombard struck a contrite note and asked for his Irish 10,000 metres record to be erased from the record books.

Lombard wrote: “I wish to apologise to my fellow athletes on the Irish Olympic Team and those members of the Association involved with the team for what has happened at this time.

“This has come about at the most inopportune moment and I hope that it will not distract their efforts for Athens.

“I would not wish for any of them to be cast in the same light as me. I wish them every success in Athens and beyond.

“Regardless of the outcome of the disciplinary process against me, out of my respect for Mark Carroll and in the interest of the sport I want the Irish 10,000m record set by me in April annulled and returned to Mark as soon as possible.”

Lombard said he wished to show he could compete as a clean athlete when his ban ends and win back respect.

He said: “I think the only way for me to do that is to remain in the sport, serve my ban and show what I can do as a clean athlete.

“It may not be sensational, but it will be good and it will be honest. There are those who will not want me back, but what will that achieve.

“People make mistakes in life. There are few who will stand up and acknowledge their mistakes.

“I made a grave error and will pay a very heavy price. I hope that in time, you will afford me the opportunity to earn some semblance of respect again.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Lombard could face prosecution for importing the performance-enhancing drug EPO.

Under regulations introduced last year, it is an offence to import a prescription-only product such as EPO into Ireland by mail order.

An Irish Medicines Board (IMB) spokeswoman said offenders convicted in the District Court could face a maximum fine of €1,927 or up to one year’s imprisonment.

“The IMB is responsible for the investigation of any such breaches and irregularities but the Board cannot comment on individual cases,” she said.