Greek Pole Vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak Provisional Suspended for Doping Violation

Greek pole vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia Polak has been provisionally suspended from the Paris Olympics following a positive doping test, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The 27-year-old athlete, who competed in the qualification round on Monday, cleared 4.20 meters but failed to advance to Wednesday’s final after not surpassing 4.40 meters.

The Greek Anti-Doping Agency notified the Greek Olympic Committee (HOC) of the violation on Monday. In response, the HOC confirmed on Tuesday that a member of its team had been expelled from the athletes' village, though it did not disclose the individual's identity.

Polak, who also competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has vehemently denied any intentional wrongdoing. She addressed the situation on Monday, explaining that the banned substance found in her sample was at a low level. She attributed the contamination to her diet, specifically her daily consumption of red meat due to an iron deficiency, suggesting that the substance may have been present in the meat.

"I have never taken supplements or protein," Polak stated. "It was below the level of what is banned, which is why I competed. I have an issue with iron and have to eat red meat daily, and that must have been in the meat. I only know that the meat contained that substance."

Polak's provisional suspension adds to a series of doping-related issues at the Paris Games, which have also involved Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen, Afghan judoka Mohammad Samim Faizad, and Cynthia Ogunsemilore, the African Games boxing champion from Nigeria, all of whom have tested positive for banned substances.

As the Olympic Games continue, Polak’s case highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding doping in sports, with athletes facing scrutiny and potential sanctions as investigations proceed.