25/07/2014

Rhys Williams Suspended From Commonwealth Games

Welsh 400 metres hurdles champion, Rhys Williams, has been provisionally suspended for an alleged doping offence.

Team Wales has confirmed the suspension and issued a statement which said: "The athlete has the opportunity to respond to the charges against him, and to have those charges determined at a full hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel."

Meanwhile, in his own statement Williams said that he is "distraught" that he won't be able to fulfil his role.

He said: "I am utterly devastated about the news of this anti-doping rule violation, which has come as a great shock to me.

"From the outset, I would strongly like to state that I have not knowingly taken any banned substance.

"As a professional athlete, I have always supported and have been an advocate of clean sport.

"However, I recognise that the responsibility for this situation lies with me and I'm committed to working with UK Anti-Doping and will fully cooperate in the legal process. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the best to my teammates at the Commonwealth Games.

"To be named Co-Team Captain for the Welsh Athletics Team was a great honour and I am distraught that I won't be able to fulfil this role and join them as part of Team Wales.

"I wish them all well. Finally, in line with this process and until the hearing of the National Anti-Doping Panel, I will not be making any further comment."

(CD/JP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 August 2004
Team GB call in reserve equestrian athlete following training injury
The British Olympic Association (BOA) has announced their intention to replace the Equestrian eventing athlete Sarah Cutteridge with reserve Mary King. The decision has been forced following an injury to Sarah Cutteridge’s horse The Wexford Lady during training.
29 May 2012
Olympic Flame Visits The Summit Of Snowdon
The Olympic Flame travels 79.35 miles from Beaumaris to Chester today, carried by 125 inspirational Torchbearers. Day 11 of the Olympic Torch Relay has already seen the Flame travel by RNLI Lifeboat and visit the summit of Snowdon, where it was carried by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington.
26 November 2003
Leeds Utd could go into administration, directors warn
Directors at beleaguered Premiership strugglers Leeds United have issued a statement today warning that if negotiations to secure further funding fail, the club could go into administration.
03 November 2003
Unions and Royal Mail reach deal over 'wildcat' dispute
The threat of further unofficial strike action by postal workers across the country has been averted for the time being as union representatives and managers at Royal Mail have reached a deal at the conciliation service ACAS.
11 March 2014
Search Resumes For Men Missing From Capsized Speedboat
A search operation is underway again for two men reported missing after a speedboat capsized off Lowestoft in Suffolk. It is understood that the body of a third person was been recorded by a search and rescue team near Ness Point on Monday afternoon.