Swedish race walker banned 2 years for doping

Andreas Gustafsson pours water over his head during a race. (Martin Meissner/AP)

STOCKHOLM — Swedish sports officials have banned race walker Andreas Gustafsson for two years after he was found guilty of using the blood-boosting hormone EPO.

The sports confederation’s anti-doping unit says the 33-year-old failed a drugs test conducted in December in California by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Gustafsson, who was temporarily suspended in March for failing the test, has admitted to using EPO.

He is one of Sweden’s best walkers and has competed in world championships and top European events, finishing 12th at the 2010 European championships in Barcelona.

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