French Paris Olympic Games marathon runner Mehdi Frere failed to be present for three doping tests over a 12-month period. He was subsequently suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for two years. Frere will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“He was suspended for a period of two years by the disciplinary tribunal of World Athletics,” lawyer Laurent Fellous said.

Fellous said he was attempting to appeal the ban and believes a decision before the Olympics is possible.

“We’ll be able to refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as part of an accelerated procedure, with the aim of obtaining an arbitration award by July 26, the opening day of the Olympics,” said his Fellous.

“I think it’s doable,” he added.

He was suspended for the Olympics “subject to conditions.” Hence sat out the European Championships in June while his whereabouts case was being considered.

Frere recorded a personal best of 205:43 in 2023 and finished 20th in the World Cross-Country Championships this year.