Byrant to keep world silver despite Tong's dope test failure

Posted: Monday 10th May 2010 | 16:48

GREAT Britain's world judo silver medallist Karina Byrant will not see her position upgraded - despite champion Tong Wen being stripped of her title for failing a drugs test.

NO SILVER LINING: Karina Byrant will be keeping her silver world judo heavyweight medal - despite Chinese gold medallist being stripped of the title

Tong, who also won the Olympic title in Beijing, beat the veteran British fighter in the heavyweight category in Rotterdam last year.

And despite the International Judo Federation issuing a two-year ban, their doping policy does not allow for medal upgrades - due to the complicated repechage system used for all major competitions.

Bryant - who won her 20th major championship medal at the recent European Championships - is currently holidaying in Australia and is unaware of the news. However, British head coach Patrick Roux claimed he was disappointed with the decision.

"Obviously we are disappointed that Karina has not been awarded the gold medal. It is very difficult to accept that some players still fight against the doping control," he said.

"But we understand the IJF's decision as in judo it is not so easy to replace one medalist by another, even though they have done so previously.

"Tong's first fights within the Championships would have to also be taken into consideration."

Tong will not be able to defend her title at London 2012, following new rules from the International Olympic Committee which ban any athlete from competing who has failed a doping test in the Olympic cycle preceding the Games.

"We expect a clean competition in judo at the London 2012 Olympics. The IJF has a big responsibility at the moment, and what I agree is that this is a permanent battle," added Roux.