Olympic cross-country skier Kornelia Marek's sample “B” drug test included traces of EPO – a synthetic hormone – according to the Polish Olympic Committee.

The news follows last Wednesday's announcement that her “A” sample proved positive for the substance, which accelerates the production of red blood cells.

Both samples were collected from Ms Marek after she competed at the Winter Olympic Games in Canada in the 4x5 kilometer relay, in which her team finished sixth. The athlete, however, continued to maintain her innocence at a meeting held Tuesday by the Polish Skiing Association.

As punishment, Ms Marek will not be allowed to compete in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, while the International Olympic Committee has invalidated all the results she achieved in Canada. (GP)

Source: Rzeczpospolita