Ysaora Thibus, a strong contender for gold in the foil event at the Olympics, has been confirmed in the French fencing team. However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the 32-year-old as she faces a potential medal stripping. Thibus was initially suspended by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) in February after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine. She was later cleared by the FIE in May. However, WADA appealed the decision, seeking a four-year ban for the Tokyo silver medalist. Despite the appeal, Thibus is currently allowed to compete.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will ultimately decide Thibus’ fate. While a ruling is pending, her lawyer expressed confidence in her, highlighting her championship spirit and focus on the Games. The French Fencing Federation also reaffirmed its support for Thibus, emphasizing her inclusion in the Olympic team and their confidence in her performance.
Jean-Yves Robin, national technical director for the French Olympic team, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the appeal but affirmed the team’s focus on preparing for the competition. Robin emphasized that the team will control what they can, focusing on the sports side of things. He acknowledged the possibility of a ruling after the Games, but expressed the team’s unwavering support for Thibus.
This year’s fencing competition will take place from July 27th to August 4th at the Grand Palais in Paris. The women’s foil individual event is scheduled for Sunday, followed by the team event on August 1st.
Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) banned for human consumption, can be found on the black market. It is known to enhance lean body mass, potentially explaining its presence in some supplements. The situation surrounding Thibus underscores the ongoing challenges in combating doping in sports, raising questions about athlete responsibility and the role of governing bodies in ensuring fair competition.
