Commonwealth javelin champion Jarrod Bannister has been hit with a 20-month ban for missing three drug tests within an 18-month period.
As a result, the Australian will be unable to defend the gold medal that he won in Delhi two years ago in Glasgow next year.
However, Bannister, who said that there was no deliberate action to avoid being tested, said that he does plan to return to the sport when the ban is lifted in February 2015.
"I respect the award issued by [judge] Mr Alan Sullivan SC," Bannister said in a statement. "Naturally, I am still deeply disappointed at receiving the period of ineligibility.
"Within the court reasons, it was found that there was no deliberate action by myself to avoid being tested. That finding is consistent with my defence submissions at the hearing on the June 21, 2013.
"From now until February 18, 2015 I will train harder then ever to ensure my return to competition is successful."
Bannister was found guilty by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Michael Penkman
