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By the time that the Tokyo Olympic Games start Russian sprinter and hurdler Natalya Antyukh will be 40-years-old. The clock on her career is winding down, yet, she will be appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to ban her for four years. The suspension began starting April 7, 2021.
She won medals in Athens at the 2004 Olympic Games, in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relays. She earned bronze, and silver, respectively. She also won gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games in the 400m hurdles.
Even if Antyukh did win the appeal, only a maximum of 10 athletes from Russia may compete in Tokyo under the neutral athlete program. It is highly unlikely that she would toe the line in Tokyo, however, there is money to be saved.
All competitive results achieved by Natalya Antyukh from 30 June 2013 through the commencement of the period of ineligibility are disqualified with all of the resulting consequences, including the forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, points and prize, and appearance money,” the court’s statement added.
Almost all of her international performances happened between 2002 and 2011.
Also suspended for four years is high jumper Andrey Silnov. The 36-year-old won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. His personal best is a leap of 2.38m.
Silnov will also appeal to the CAS his four year suspension.
