PUTRAJAYA: Lee Chong Wei’s positive dope test can’t be compared to the cases of Ben Johnson or Lance Armstrong as the substance found in the shuttler’s urine sample was a medical steroid to aid athletes' rehabilitation said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic).
"I want to stress this is not a performance enhancing drug. It shouldn't affect (public) perception of badminton (in Malaysia). This is not Ben Johnson or Lance Armstrong," he told reporters after the launch of the Genexter Forum here Saturday, adding that it was an "unfortunate, isolated case".
The Ministry and the Badminton Association of Malaysia are waiting for the Badminton World Federation to confirm the date of Chong Wei's hearing after the shuttler tested positive for dexamethasone in a random urine test on Aug 30.
His B sample also tested positive for the substance.
"We will make sure we present the best possible case," said Khairy adding that he had not spoken to Lee yet.
Video: BAM press conference.
Chong Wei faces a maximum two-year ban from the sport although the BWF could hand out a reduced sentence depending on various factors, which include the athlete’s intention, track record and conduct during his career.
Sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his 100m gold medal at the 1988 Olympics after testing positive for anabolic steroids while cyclist Armstrong was found to have used EPO and steroids as well as blood transfusions to boost his performances.
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