OLYMPICS DAILY REPORT : Two Athletes’ Status Uncertain

Australian sprinter Dean Capobianco was cleared of steroid allegations by an Australian tribunal, but his status for the Games remained in doubt.

Meanwhile, the case of Italian high jumper Antonella Bevilacqua, who tested positive for a banned stimulant, was referred to a meeting next week of the sport’s world governing body. Officials said she probably will be disqualified.

Capobianco was suspended earlier this week after allegedly testing positive for the steroid Stanozolol at a meet in the Netherlands on May 27.

Athletics Australia’s Doping Control Tribunal ruled there was reasonable doubt about the test result and said Capobianco was free to compete.

However, John Coates, Australian Olympic Committee president, said Capobianco may still have violated the AOC’s anti-doping policies. Coates said he would seek legal advice on whether Capobianco was liable for any action from the AOC.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation referred the Bevilacqua case to its council meeting next Thursday.

Bevilacqua twice tested positive for ephedrine in May. The Italian national federation cleared her on grounds that she took the drug unwittingly in a Chinese herbal product.

But the IAAF said the athlete should face its mandatory three-month ban.