Local Athletics: Zemiro escapes drug ban for Olympics

Anti-Doping Committee of Israel court settles for a one-month suspension and a reprimand following Zemiro's failed drug test.

By ALLON SINAI
ZOHAR ZEMIRO (photo credit: IAAF website)
ZOHAR ZEMIRO
(photo credit: IAAF website)
Israeli marathon runner Zohar Zemiro will be able to compete in the London Olympics after the Anti-Doping Committee of Israel court settled for a one-month suspension and a reprimand following his failed drug test.
The 35-year-old, who became the first Israeli athlete to book his place in the 2012 Games when he ran the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:14.28 hours in April of last year, tested positive for Terbutaline earlier this month, an illegal substance usually found in asthma inhalers.
Zemiro pleaded guilty but explained that he has suffered from asthma symptoms for some years and a small amount of Terbutaline must have entered his body without his knowledge.
Due to the circumstances of the failed test, the court decided to allow Zemiro to run in London, with his one-month suspension already being served in the time that has passed since it was revealed he tested positive.
“This has been the most difficult time of my life,” said Zemiro, who will now just hope that the World Anti-Doping Agency doesn’t appeal the decision. “I’m happy that this hell is behind me.”