By Tom Degun

June 10 - Egyptian powerlifter Rania Alaa El Din Morshedy, who narrowly missed a medal at the 2008 Paralympics, has been banned for two years after testing positive for anabolic steroids.



The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that Morshedy had tested positive for Oxandrolone and its metabolite Epioxandrolone.

The 28-year-old was considered a role model in Egypt having only taken up powerlifting in 2006 but quickly established herself as one of the country's top Paralympics.

Morshedy was also considered to be unusual in Egypt because she continued to compete at a high-level despite having a seven-year-old son.

The violation occurred at the recent FAZAA International Powerlifting Competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in March which means, though, that Morshedy will be eligible to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics if she qualifies.

An statement from the PIC said: "As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping free sporting environment at all levels.

"The IPC, together with the International Federations and the National Paralympic Committees, established the IPC Anti-Doping Code (January 2004) to prevent in the spirit of fair play, doping in sport for Paralympic athletes.

"The IPC Anti-Doping Code is in conformity with the general principles of the WADC."

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