Japanese kayaker Yasuhiro Suzuki was expected to represent his country at the 2020 Olympics, but he will no longer be doing that after admitting to dosing one of his rivals, Seiji Komatsu, with anabolic steroids.
Komatsu tested positive for a banned substance at the national championships in September, but vehemently denied that he took any drugs. Komatsu’s denial led to an investigation by the Japan Canoe Federation, which led to Suzuki admitting that he spiked Komatsu’s drink. Suzuki was trying to prevent Komatsu from being selected ahead of him to compete at the Olympics, and this apparently is not the first time he’s tried to sabotage a countryman. From Japan Times:
In its investigation into the incident, the canoe federation found that Suzuki had made repeated attempts to sabotage other competitors, not only Komatsu, by such means as stealing equipment used in training and competition. It has recommended Suzuki’s expulsion from the federation.
Japan’s doping agency announced that Suzuki has been hit with an eight-year ban, and that Komatsu has been reinstated.