Another Olympian has been banned for a failed drug test. Australian equestrian athlete Jamie Kermond, who was set to make his Olympic debut, has been banned from competition after testing positive for cocaine.
Kermond admitted to using the drug at a social gathering before the Olympics but insisted it was not tied to his competition.
“It is likely that positive result was from a single recreational use of the drug during a social event and had no connection with my sport of equestrian,” Kermond said in a statement. “The consequence of this positive result is that I have been provisionally suspended from my sport by Equestrian Australia.
“I am extremely upset and remorseful as to what has happened, and I accept full responsibility. I am truly sorry as I have let a lot of people down including my family and teammates. Hopefully one day I can be forgiven for my mistake and make amends through better actions and continued contribution to the sport I know and love.”
The 36-year-old Kermond won the Australian National Championships in 2016 and 2017.
The equestrian competition is set for Sunday.
The Olympics officially kick off on Friday, July 23, and will run through Sunday, August 8. The Opening Ceremony will air live on NBC beginning at 7:00 a.m. ET on Friday morning.