Tanja Smid Given 4 Year Ban For Doping, Retires
Slovenian national record holder Tanja Smid tested positive for a banned substance at the Serbian Open, according to Inside the Games.
Today, FINA announced a four year ban against the 25 year old, with a start date of March 18, 2016. That would make Smid eligible for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Smid retired after the initial positive test, though the Solvenian Anti-Doping Organization still issued the sanction.
The positive test was for GW 1516 (Class S.4 Hormone and Metabolic Modulators). The substance has been proven to improve physical performance. It was added to the list of banned substances in 2009.
Smid competed in the 200 breaststroke at the 2012 Olympics and finished second in the same event at the 2010 European Championships. She also holds the Slovenian National Record in the long course and short course meters 200 breaststroke events.