Why is she missing in St. Moritz?: American skier Johnson responds to suspected doping

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Breezy Johnson (27) finished in the top 10 in the downhill five times last winter. In St. Moritz the speed specialist achieved her best result of the season with 5th place. In her career, she has only been ranked better eight times: second three times, third four times and fourth once.

This year there is a search in vain for the American woman in the Engadin. Johnson does not participate in the training and races. Apparently she is in her home country. Her mother recently wrote in a Facebook group that an inflammation in her knee joint was causing her problems and that she was in the US for therapy. This injury could be related to her fall during training two and a half months ago. At that moment she twisted her knee joint.

False information about whereabouts

But besides a serious injury, there is also a completely different reason behind Johnson’s absence. Rumors are circulating in the ski circus, but no one wants or is allowed to talk about it: there is a suspicion of doping against Johnson. The US Ski Association is keeping a low profile and has not yet commented on this topic.

The portal skinews.ch contains information that she allegedly violated the requirements of the American anti-doping agency USADA. The reason: Johnson is said to have missed three drug tests because she was not at the location she specified to USADA. The consequences can be brutal for the athlete. Under Anti-Doping Agency regulations, this violation carries a ban of up to two years.

Johnson confirms the rumors

Blick asks US head coach Paul Kristofic what the rumors are. “I won’t say anything about it,” is his response. Does this mean that the doping suspicions are incorrect? “I don’t comment on it.” Kristofic confirmed Johnson was in St. Moritz – with the plan to train and race. Nothing came of it. “But she flew back to the US because she wasn’t feeling well. She will have her knee examined there.” The problem has existed for some time because she has suffered many knee injuries. “She always needs treatment – ​​that’s bitter, but it’s a fact.”

Johnson himself will speak on Saturday evening. And confirms what was unofficially suspected. Namely that she was involved in a USADA case regarding her whereabouts. “I would like to emphasize that the case does not concern prohibited substances. What matters is whether I have updated my whereabouts information correctly. I have always been a clean athlete.” Out of respect for her fellow skiers, she will refrain from participating for the time being until the matter is resolved.

The American association had announced that it would provide information in the coming days. Then we will know when Johnson returns to the World Cup. She recently left her mark in the snow of Zermatt/Cervinia, where she finished the second training session for the later canceled descents in 13th.

Source : Blick