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Paris 2024: Suspended Polish cyclist cleared to compete in the Olympics

31.07.2024 12:12
The unusual decision was due to insulin, which Mateusz Rudyk must use because of diabetes. The 29-year-old athlete received official clearance to participate in the track cycling events on August 7.
Mateusz Rudyk
Mateusz RudykPAP/Leszek Szymański

"The Polish Cycling Federation announces that sprinter Mateusz Rudyk has been cleared by the International Cycling Union to compete without suspicion of using prohibited substances," stated the Federation.

Olympic paradox: Diabetic suspended for using insulin

How did this situation arise? Let's start from the beginning.

Mateusz Rudyk is the only diabetic among Poland's top track cyclists and the only Type 1 diabetic world championship medalist. He is also the current European sprint and keirin vice-champion, as well as a multiple medalist in major track cycling events, including a bronze medal in sprint (Pruszków 2019).

During a competition in Cottbus in early June, insulin was detected in Rudyk’s system, which is banned for healthy athletes. The issue arose because Rudyk simply forgot to renew the validity of his therapeutic exemption due to his diabetes.

Ultimately, a new backdated document was obtained, and the Polish Anti-Doping Agency confirms that Rudyk will be able to compete in Paris and may join the Polish Olympic team later today.

Source: Polish Cycling Federation/Polskie Radio 24/PAP

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