FIG bans Taiwanese gymnast, hits federation with fine and warning in doping case

FIG bans gymnast, fines Taiwan body in doping case

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The governing body of gymnastics has fined and criticized the Taiwanese federation for its conduct in a doping case involving a teenage athlete.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) banned Chiu Shih-Hui after the 18-year-old aerobic gymnast tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The ban was applied retroactively from the day of the doping test and runs through Nov. 2, 2010.

In a ruling issued Saturday, FIG harshly criticized the Taiwan federation, which was “reprimanded with an accompanying heavy fine” of an undisclosed amount.

It was sanctioned for “repeatedly failing to communicate with the FIG and neglecting to assist its gymnast,” the sport’s governing body said.