U.S. nordic-combined skier Kerry Lynch, who was...

U.S. nordic-combined skier Kerry Lynch, who was considered a contender for a medal at the Winter Olympics next month in Calgary, Canada, was suspended for all competitions in 1988 by the International Ski Federation because of his admission to blood doping.

International Ski Federation (FIS) officials said they will decide at their next Congress in June whether to extend the suspension for two additional years.

In response to a United States Ski Assn. (USSA) inquiry last month, Lynch, 30, admitted to blood doping on the eve of the 1987 World Championships in Oberstdorf, West Germany. Lynch finished second, the first time a U.S. skier has ever won a nordic-combined medal at the world championships.

In addition to the suspension, the FIS ordered Lynch to forfeit his medal.

Blood doping involves taking blood from an individual, freezing it and then re-injecting it. According to doctors, red blood cells upon re-injection can produce greater stamina.

Lynch told the USSA in December he had approval to pack his blood from Jim Page, who was director for the USSA’s nordic program, and Doug Peterson, who was coach of the nordic-combined team. Lynch would not identify the doctor who performed the medical procedure except to say he was not associated with USSA.

The FIS Tuesday suspended Page, who subsequently became a United States Olympic Committee staff member, and Peterson from all competitions in 1988. The FIS earlier dismissed Page as a technical delegate to the nordic-combined event in Calgary.