Australian Paralympic gold medallist tests positive for EPO

Australian cyclist Michael Gallagher, who won back-to-back Paralympic golds in the individual pursuit at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, will not race in Rio after testing positive for EPO. The Australian reports that the 37-year-old has been removed from the national team squad by the Australian Paralympic Committee after being handed a provisional suspension.

According to a statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee, Gallagher was tested out-of-competition at a training camp held in Italy in July and his ‘A’ sample tested positive for erythropoietin.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) confirmed that Gallagher had been handed a mandatory provisional suspension by Cycling Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee, effective immediately.

Kate McLoughlin, Chef de Mission of the Australian Paralympic Team said:

“Michael Gallagher’s position on the Australian Paralympic Cycling Team for Rio 2016 has been terminated, effectively immediately.

“The APC fiercely supports the fight against doping in sport and this is a reminder to all athletes that they will be caught if they do not comply with the rules, regardless of intent.”

Born in Scotland, Gallagher moved to Australia at the age of five. He has Erb's palsy in his right shoulder, due to an accident at birth. As well as two Paralympic golds and two bronzes, he has won 10 world titles on the track and one on the road.