By Yoon Chul
Staff reporter
Lim Eun-ji, one of South Korea's top athletic prospects, has been suspended Tuesday for three months as the female pole vault jumper failed a dope test.
Her usage of a prohibited substance, however, was not on purpose, according to the Korean Association of Athletics Federation.
The Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA) said that Lim, the current national record holder with 4.35 meters, gave the urine sample during a domestic track and field event in May and its result showed the athlete took hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide, which are banned in the sport.
During the ensuing probe, Lim reportedly said she took some oriental medicine without knowing that it contained the barred ingredients. The athlete said before the doping test that she had taken the medicine for her sore ankle, and claimed that she was not guilty in the hearing held on June 10.
Based on various evidence including the doping inspector's testimony, KADA concluded she took the drug to ease the pain and with no further wrongful intention. The anti-doping body, however, said the evidence is not sufficient and Lim should be responsible for her actions resulting in the three-month ban.
The two substances, which are used for diuretic efforts, are banned for athletes because they are harmful to one's health and can also be taken to disguise the use of other prohibited drugs.
The national team coach said that she is now focusing on her training.
Lim is expected to be the first Korean female athlete to top the podium in the pole vault along with national team fellow Choi Yun-hee at the upcoming Asian Games, which will be held in November in Guangzhou, China.
In another KADA case, men's long distance runner Lee Kyong-jae has been banned for two years after a stimulant was detected in a sample he provided.