Weightlifting has endured its fair share of issues when it comes to doping in recent years, so much so that there’s concern that the sport could be in some trouble when it comes to being part of the Olympic program past the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. With that being the case, having a medalist fail a drug test isn’t good news for the sport.
Kyrgyzstan’s Izzat Artykov, who took bronze in the 69 kg division earlier this week, has been stripped of his medal after a drug test revealed strychnine in his system. In small amounts, the substance can aid muscular performance.
Artykov can go through an appeals process, and until that process is completed there won’t be a decision in regards to the reallocation of that medal.
Based upon the final standings Colombia’s Luis Javier Mosquera, who finished fourth behind Artykov (339 kg lifted) by a single kilogram, would be in line to receive a bronze medal if Artykov decides to appeal the ruling and is unsuccessful.