By Gary Anderson

January 15 - US weightlifter Sarah Robles has been banned for two years by USADA ©AFP/Getty ImagesAmerican weightlifter Sarah Robles has been handed a two-year ban by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after failing three drugs tests, but has vowed to return and compete at Rio 2016.

Robles, who competed at London 2012, tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid in an out-of-competition and two in-competition urine samples collected by both USADA and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

The 25-year-old, who competes in the over 75 kilograms super-heavyweight division, claims she used a supplement containing the banned substance on advice from doctors to treat polycystic ovary syndrome.

She was provisionally banned by the IWF last August following the tests and her ban runs from then until August 2015.

Her first positive sample was collected on May 31 2013, and her results after this date have been wiped from the records.

Robles finished seventh at London 2012 and is a three-time US national champion, and said in a statement she accepted USADA and the IWF's decision to impose a ban but revealed she intends to come back in 2015 and qualify for Rio 2016.

Robles finished seventh at London 2012 and plans to try and qualify for Rio 2016 after her drugs ban expires ©AFP/Getty ImagesRobles finished seventh at London 2012 and plans to try and qualify for Rio 2016 after her drugs ban expires ©AFP/Getty Images


























"While disappointed in their decision, I accept the conditions of my suspension, and I am grateful to the IWF and USADA for taking all facets of my situation into consideration when their decision was made," she said.

"Although it breaks my heart to be away from the sport I love for two years, I made a choice to take care of my health as advised by my doctor.

"I have always advocated clean sport, and I still do.

"I also support a person's ability to take care of themselves and their health.

"I still have a lot to give as an athlete, and I plan on returning to weightlifting, with hopes to participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"I also plan to continue advocacy for positive body image, women's rights, and of course, clean sport."

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