A statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee

Para cyclist Michael Gallagher has been sent home after an out-of-competition drug test in July. 02 Sep 2016
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Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) logo

Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) logo

ⒸAPC
By Australian Paralympic Committee

The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) has taken immediate action on Friday (2 September) to remove Michael Gallagher from the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team in Rio.

This follows Gallagher’s mandatory provisional suspension handed down by the APC and Cycling Australia, after the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) confirmed Gallagher has returned a positive doping sample.

Gallagher was tested out-of-competition at a training camp held in Italy in July. His ‘A’ sample tested positive for erythropoietin.

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.”

A more detailed statement will be issued by the APC in due course.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place between 7-18 September.