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Steroids claim engulfs former sprint star
Steroids claim engulfs former sprint star, By: Leo Leonidou
January 12, 2007
CONFUSION has emerged over reports implicating one of Cyprus’ greatest athletes in a steroids case.
A local newspaper alleges that former sprint star Anninos Marcoullides offered anabolic steroids to Belgian athlete Eric Wijmeersch, who is now being trained by the Cypriot.
Politis is alleging that the Belgian Federal Judicial Hormones Office contacted the Cypriot authorities last June informing them that Wijmeersch was allegedly offered Sanazopol, testosterone Winstrol, Proviron and Symbiotropin by Marcoullides while training in Cyprus.
Apparently, the investigation’s findings were turned over to the island’s authorities in October.
But the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Association have strongly denied the reports. Technical advisor Antonis Georgallides yesterday told the Mail: “I have personally spoken with Marcoullides and he is adamant that he is innocent and has done nothing wrong. I can tell you that what has appeared in the press is incorrect.
“Wijmeersch never stated that he was offered steroids by Marcoullides. The story originated from the Belgian authorities and I can tell you that there is no ongoing investigation in Belgium.”
Georgallides also said that Wijmeersch, a sprinter, took part in last August’s European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg and passed a drugs test.
When asked to comment on the conflicting stories, a police spokeswoman said that, “some checks are taking place after certain allegations were made but we cannot go into any more detail.”
Speaking out, Justice Minister Sophocles Sophocleous said: “We must be very careful before making a statement on this matter, as we must make sure we get all our facts straight.”
The former athlete’s lawyer, Demos Katsis, told state radio that Marcoullides had called him in a distressed state after reading the story in the newspaper yesterday morning.
“This was the first time he had heard anything on this subject and he couldn’t believe it. He has no idea why these things are being said and he has not even been contacted by anybody to discuss it.”
Katsis pointed out that, “throughout Marcoullides’ long and distinguished career, he never failed a drugs test and was always a clean athlete.”
Marcoullides, who lives in Limassol, competed in the 100 and 200 metres from 1989 until 2005 and represented the island in four Olympic Games in Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Athens.
His best achievement was finishing in 15th place in the Atlanta 100 metres.
He was also involved in the Athens Olympic Torch Relay and has been honoured for his services to Cypriot athletics.
He has been a trainer for the past 18 months and is currently involved in identifying and helping the island’s brightest young talents.
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