Homepage > Boston Sports

German Speedskating Great Pechstein Gets Two-Year Ban

POSTED: 3:55 pm EDT July 3, 2009

(Sports Network) - Germany's Claudia Pechstein, a five- time Olympic speed skating gold medalist, will miss the 2010 Vancouver Games after receiving a two-year ban due to blood doping.

The 37-year-old Pechstein is the most successful German Winter Olympian of all time with nine total Winter Games medals.

The International Skating Union said Pechstein obtained abnormal blood profile results from the 500-meter and 3,000-meter races at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships this past February. Her two-year eligibility period started on February 9, 2009.

Pechstein could appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the next three weeks.

Links We Like

Find out how a little planning for holiday shopping can save you cash and help you avoid big credit card bills. More

Before you hire a professional inspector learn to do your own pre-inspection to spot potential problems. More

Ever wonder which cars people are buying the most? Find out here as we count down America’s top 20 sellers. More

Featured On 5