Anežka Drahotová, a pedestrian, will not use the chance to start at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after the acquittal verdict of the disciplinary commission of the Czech Athletic Association in a doping case. She explained that she was not in proper shape after the race break.
“I am convinced that in order for the start of the Olympics to make sense for the Czechia and for the athlete himself, he must be in great life form,” Drahotová said in a recording for ČTK.
And the 25-year-old athlete doesn’t feel in perfect shape. “The last three months have been challenging. I have been training, trying to do my best, but you will not replace the racing rhythm,” said Drahotová.
The two-time medalist from the European Championships was cleared of possible doping on Monday, when the disciplinary commission of the Czech Athletic Association stated that the three-year-old doping finding was not caused by the use of a prohibited substance.
“It hurts, but I decided not to fly to Tokyo. I consulted with coaches and doctors and it just wouldn’t make sense,” said Drahotova, who finished tenth in the 20 km race at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “I take it from the better side. I managed to clear my name,” she added.
After the cancellation of Drahotová’s start, 115 Czech athletes should start in Tokyo.
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