New Zealand distance runner Zane Robertson has been banned from competition for eight years after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
The 33-year-old athlete, who holds national records in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, was found to have used erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that boosts the production of red blood cells and enhances endurance.
In a statement, Robertson denied intentionally using performance-enhancing drugs and expressed shock at the results.
The Commonwealth Games medallist, who is based in Kenya, had alleged he walked into a Kenyan clinic for a Covid-19 vaccine but was instead treated for the same using performance-enhancing erythropoietin (EPO).
According to AFP, EPO is banned in all sports because it boosts red-blood cells, allowing athletes to work harder for longer.
Robertson’s ban is the longest ban handed out to an athlete from New Zealand.
