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Former Olympian Clara Hughes reveals undisclosed doping violation from 1994

Canadian Olympic cyclist Clara Hughes talks with coaches prior to a training ride in Horsley, Sussex, England on Wednesday July 25, 2012. Former Olympian Hughes has revealed a previously undisclosed anti-doping rule violation from 1994.
Canadian Olympic cyclist Clara Hughes talks with coaches prior to a training ride in Horsley, Sussex, England on Wednesday July 25, 2012. Former Olympian Hughes has revealed a previously undisclosed anti-doping rule violation from 1994. THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – Former Olympian Clara Hughes has revealed a previously undisclosed anti-doping rule violation from 1994.

Hughes wrote in her newly released memoir that she tested positive for the banned substance ephedrine in 1994 and that she was notified of the test result by Cycling Canada’s then national team director. Hughes says in the book that the violation was intentionally kept quiet.

The offence occurred before the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency or the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, Canada’s national anti-doping body.

“Cycling Canada cannot condone how this matter was handled at the time by any of those involved,” said a statement from the organization.

“Regardless of the practices of the day, Cycling Canada believes in full, fair and open disclosure of all doping related offences. We remain fully committed to the principles of fair play and rigid compliance with the WADA Code.”

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Hughes informed Cycling Canada of the revelation in her upcoming biography in late August and gave the governing body a copy of the manuscript excerpt about the incident. The organization put out its statement late Sunday night, revealing the details of the doping violation from the unreleased memoir. The book will be released on Tuesday.

Hughes also spoke about the positive test in an interview with the CBC that was aired on Sunday night.

Ephedrine promotes short-term weight loss, specifically by burning fat, and is used by athletes to improve their performance before a competition. It is also found in cold medication and can help with lung infections. It may be used as a stimulant, a concentration aid, a decongestant or an appetite suppressant.

Hughes is tied with Cindy Klassen for most Olympic medals won by a Canadian, having competed in both the Winter and Summer Games.

She won two bronzes in road cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Games. She also won gold in 5,000-metre long-track speedskating at the 2006 Turin Olympics, adding a silver in the team pursuit that same year. Hughes won bronze in the 5,000 metre event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

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