Jamie Kermond registers positive drug test before Tokyo Olympics

The 36-year-old's positive result for cocaine came after a random test last month.

A remorseful Kermond said in a statement the result was likely from a "single recreational use of the drug" during a social event and had no connection to his sport.

"The consequence of this positive result is that I have been provisionally suspended from my sport by Equestrian Australia," he said.

"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."

Equestrian Australia released a statement on Wednesday confirming the show jumper had been suspended under the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy 2021, meaning he would not feature in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

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"The mandatory Provisional Suspension Notice asserts Mr Kermond returned a positive A-sample for a metabolite of cocaine following a test conducted by Sport Integrity Australia on 26 June 2021," the statement read.

"Cocaine is prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy 2021.

"Mr Kermond is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant event, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, while the provisional suspension is in place.

"Under the Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Kermond now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed."

Equestrian Australia has spoken with Kermond and support services have been offered to him.

Kermond had been at the centre of an Olympics selection controversy.

It was revealed on Monday the nation's top-ranked show jumper Rowan Willis was overlooked for the team in favour of Kermond.

The selection decision had been described as the equivalent of leaving world number one tennis player Ash Barty out of the national tennis squad.

Willis was listed behind Edwina Tops-Alexander, who is ranked 311^th in the Federation Equestre Internationale rankings. Katie Laurie was ranked 469^th while Kermond is currently 1013^th.

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