The Olympics have suspended Australian equestrian Jamie Kermond for testing positive for cocaine.
On Wednesday, the Tokyo Olympics announced that the 36-year-old showjumper had been banned from the Games after he tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine, The Guardian reports. Ian Chesterman, Australia’s chef de mission at the 2020 Games, confirmed the news. Kermond was also ejected from his membership with the team.
“It is likely that the positive result was from a single recreational use of the drug at a social event and had no connection with my sport of equestrian,” Kermond said in a statement, per The Guardian. “I am extremely upset and remorseful as to what has happened, and I accept full responsibility. I am truly sorry as I have let a lot of people down, including my family and teammates.”
He added: “Hopefully, one day, I can be forgiven for my mistake [and make] amends through better actions and continued contribution to the sport I know and love.”
Sports Integrity Australia conducted the A-sample test on June 26.
