Congo's Flag Bearer Tests Positive for Anabolic Steroid Ahead of Paris Olympics

Sprinter Dominique Lasconi Mulamba, set to represent Congo at the Paris Olympics, has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, leading to his provisional suspension. The International Testing Agency reported that the banned substance detected is stanozolol metabolite, a steroid infamously used by sprinter Ben Johnson in 1988.

Sprinter Dominique Lasconi Mulamba, listed as one of Congo's flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, the International Testing Agency revealed on Sunday.

Mulamba, who competed in the 100 meters, provided a sample that tested positive for stanozolol metabolite, the same banned substance used by sprinter Ben Johnson during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, according to the ITA.

As a result, Mulamba has been provisionally suspended and will not be able to participate in Sunday's closing ceremony. The sample was collected last Sunday, a day after the 22-year-old athlete was eliminated in the round before the semifinals, where he ran a time of 10.53 and finished seventh in his heat.

This is the fourth failed drug test reported at the Paris Games. Mulamba has the option to appeal the provisional suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.