The rower Lucas Verthein, who defended Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics (Japan), was preventively suspended by the Brazilian Doping Control Authority (ABCD). The entity updated this Monday (7) the list of athletes temporarily removed from competitions. The 23-year-old carioca is the only one on the list to have fallen for doping as early as 2022.
Lucas was caught in an exam carried out on the 13th, out of competition, where he tested positive for oxandrolone, an anabolic that increases muscle power. THE substance is the same that, in 2016, appeared in the test done by Ana Cláudia Lemos, main Brazilian name in speed tests at the time. The runner was able to prove that there was cross-contamination of a drug and had to serve a sentence of only five months, for negligence.
In Tokyo, Lucas made the best campaign by a Brazilian rower in the history of the Games. He reached the semifinals of single skiff (boat for one person and two oars) and placed 12th overall, coming in sixth in Final B (which brings together the eight semifinalists who did not reach the decision).
Lucas has not yet commented on the suspension, as well as Botafogo, the club he defends. The Brazilian Rowing Confederation (CBR) reported that it awaits ABCD’s notification to call the legal department, before commenting on the case.
