Content area
Full Text
Russia's Alina Kabayeva
reclaimed the world rhythmic title in Budapest
IT was only at the 2003 World Rhythmic Championships in Budapest that the book was finally closed on the sad saga of the 2001 worlds. Two years ago, Russians Alina Kabayeva and Irina Chaschina swept the competition in Madrid, only to dominate headlines afterward with the news that both had tested positive for diuretics at the 2001 Goodwill Games.
The ensuing doping scandal was a roller coaster ride for both the accused athletes and the sport of rhythmic. The FIG initially stripped the Russians of their 2001 world medals and suspended them from competition for one year, only to have the results reinstated when the punishment was overturned pending appeal. Claiming the banned substance was accidentally ingested in a bogus dietary supplement, the Russians kept the appeal process alive through 2003. But in the end, after months of unexplained delays, Switzerland's Court of Arbitration in Sport sided with the FIG's original verdict, nullifying the results of Madrid. So as Kabayeva prepared to travel to Budapest in September, she had to gather not only her confidence and pride, but her six medals from 2001 to hand over to the FIG.
The recipient of three of Russia's surrendered gold medals from 2001 was Bulgarian Simona Peycheva. Ironically, it was announced on the eve of the competition that Peycheva had tested positive for diuretics during an out-of-competition WADA test in August. Citing a foot injury, Peycheva had withdrawn from the competition but was present in Budapest. Peycheva, who has been sympathetic to the Russians' plight since the story broke, declined to take part in the new medal ceremony in Budapest.
"I would like to thank Simona for the nobleness she's shown by refusing to accept these awards," Kabayeva told Sport-Express. "She wants the medals to be returned to me, and considers me the champion of Madrid. It is really a pity that Peycheva did not perform here."
With reporters bearing down on her, Peycheva and her coach, Marieta Dukova, returned home early. Peycheva's fate will be decided by the FIG Disciplinary Committee. If she receives a one-year suspension retroactive to the date of the infraction, she will be eligible to compete at the 2004 Olympic Games...