Olympics: Belgium's eventing team disqualified after positive doping test
Belgium's Olympic eventing team has been disqualified after a positive doping test, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) announced on Thursday. Belgium finished fourth in the eventing competition at the Olympic Games in Paris.
A blood test carried out during the Games revealed traces of Trazodone in the blood of the horse ridden by Tine Magnus. Trazodone is a psychoactive sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant that is on the FEI's list of substances banned in competition.
Magnus and her horse, Dia, have been provisionally suspended for two months
Magnus and her horse, Dia, have been provisionally suspended for two months from 3 September pending a decision by the FEI's anti-doping court. Magnus finished 28th in the individual classification at the Olympic Games.
Rider denies doping
In a post on social media, Magnus said she was saddened and surprised by the news. The 32-year-old rider from Merchtem denied having knowingly doped her horse, a 10-year-old mare. "Together with the Belgian Federation and my team, we will look into the causes of what is also a very surprising result for me," she wrote.
"I am an honest athlete and I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence"
"I can assure you that neither I nor anyone in my team has ever used any form of doping. I am an honest athlete and I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence. I hope to have your support and confidence," said Magnus.
Belgium's Tine Magnus and her horse Dia during the final of the team eventing competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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