Volleyball player claims innocence after positive drug test

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug.6 (Reuters) – A Brazilian volleyball player suspended for doping while competing in the Tokyo Olympics has claimed the banned substance found in a July test was accidentally introduced into her organization.

In a letter released by her lawyer on Friday, Tandara Caixeta, who left the team’s camp and returned to her home in Brazil, did not give further explanation but said she did not knowingly take Ostarina, a drug used by bodybuilders and to improve athletic performance.

“We are confident that we will prove that Ostarina accidentally entered the athlete’s body and was not used to improve athletic performance,” the lawyer’s letter said.

“Recently, many Brazilian athletes have been the victims of incidents involving Ostarina,” he added, without specifying further.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee announced the news of his positive test shortly before Brazil’s semi-final against South Korea.

Brazil won 3-0 to advance to Sunday’s gold medal game against the United States.

The positive test was withdrawn from competition at the Brazilian volleyball training center on July 7, the committee said.

Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Lincoln Feast.

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