Disgraced Spanish cross-country skier Johann Muehlegg has decided to quit the sport. Muehlegg tested positive for the blood-boosting drug darbepoetin on February 21 at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. That, and a positive ‘B’ test meant he lost one of the three gold medals he claimed.
The German-born 31-year-old had his 50 kilometre gold taken away, but the International Olympic Committee decided he could keep the golds for the 30km and 10km as he passed doping tests following those races. He is also facing a lengthy ban from the International Ski Federation and at 31 has decided to retire now.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
