Fencing: Ysaora Thibus suspended for “an abnormal anti-doping analysis result”

The French Fencing Federation announced this Friday morning in a press release the provisional suspension of Ysaora Thibus (32), one of the contenders for the title at the Paris Games. This decision follows a check carried out on January 14 which revealed an “adverse analytical finding”. The French champion, foil specialist and team silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympic Games, was contacted by the Federation which indicates that she expressed “her total incomprehension, her immense surprise and her dismay” in the face of this situation. The 2022 individual world champion denies any intentional involvement in an act of doping.

“I deny with the greatest firmness ever having administered the slightest doping substance. The negative results of the dozens of checks undergone this year, like all the others, bear witness to this. Also, 169 days before the Olympic Games in Paris which constitute the dream of my life as a woman and an athlete, everyone will understand that this information initially created an effect of astonishment in me and all those who oversee my preparation. After this first touch, I begin an assault which aims to prove my innocence today to allow me tomorrow to shoot in what will be the most beautiful tournament of my career (...) Despite the difficulty of this test, it It is with unwavering strength that I assure you of my integrity.”

The French Fencing Federation concluded its press release by bringing a “thought” to Ysaora Thibus, “who is experiencing a difficult moment in her life as a woman and an athlete.” Contacted by AFP, the shooter expressed her total incomprehension, her immense surprise and her dismay, she denied any intentional act of doping. It is now up to it to defend itself according to the measures “that it deems useful to take”, indicated the federation.

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