LONDON, July 22: British pole-vaulter Janine Whitlock has been suspended from competition by UK Athletics pending a disciplinary hearing into her failed drugs test.

Whitlock, who was seen as a contender for gold at this month’s games in Manchester, tested positive for the anabolic steroid methandienone at the Games trials last month.

An independent drugs advisory officer (DAO) has ruled that the 28-year-old has a case to answer after the positive test on her A sample. She could face a two-year ban if a test on her B sample is also positive.

“Following the adverse finding of methandienone in the urine sample given by Whitlock on June 16, a review of the evidence has been conducted by the independent DAO,” a statement from UK Athletics said on Monday.—Reuters