Former world number one banned for two years for doping violation

FORMER badminton world number one Zhou Mi will miss the London 2012 Olympics after she was slapped with a two-year doping ban.

BANNED: Hong Kong's Zhou Mi will serve a two-year doping suspension, the Badminton World Federation confirmed (Getty Images)

Zhou - the Olympic bronze medallist in 2004 - tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol in late June and her suspension was confirmed by the Badminton World Federation.

She claims to have taken the drug unknowingly, claiming it was part of a Chinese herbal medicine.

Clenbuterol is a banned substance that can be used to burn fat and is commonly found in over the counter medicines to treat asthma.

"The case sends a strong message to elite athletes in the sport who need to be aware of prohibited substances and the consequences of taking these either deliberately or inadvertently," said Thomas Lund, the Badminton World Federation's chief operating officer.

"The sanction means that Zhou Mi cannot participate in any badminton at the international, national and local level for a period of two years."

However, Zhou denied any wrongdoing.

"I did not take drugs to make my game better," she said.

"I was just ill and needed to take some medicine and I was unaware that this specific Chinese medicine contained any forbidden substance.
 
"I did not take it intentionally and the best proof is that I lost in first rounds of both the Singapore and Indonesia Opens.

"I had no intention of violating the rules and I believe I don’t deserve such a heavy penalty."