Irish champion Rauktys banned for doping

Triple Irish throws champion Tomas Rauktys has been banned for two-years after testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol at the National Championships in Santry last July.

The 28-year-old Lithuanian native has been living in Dublin for the last five years, but has never represented Ireland: however, Rauktys has been representing Clonliffe Harriers since 2009, and won the shot put, discus and 56lb weight-for-distance at the National Championships last July.

It was there Rauktys was subjected to random doping test, carried out by the Irish Sports Council, on behalf of Athletics Ireland. A statement issued on behalf of both Athletics Ireland and the Irish Sports Council confirmed Rauktys "has committed an anti-doping rule violation" and "has been sanctioned by a period of ineligibility of two years".

Rauktys’ sample revealed the presence of the prohibited substance stanozolol, the highly-detectable and still commonly used steroid, and the same substance Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for after the 100 metres at the Seoul Olympics 25 years ago.

Following the positive test, Rauktys went through a standard disciplinary process, and the deadline for any further appeal expired at midnight last night. Athletics Ireland now intend on stripping him of those three national titles won in Santry last July.