Nordine Gezzar out of Olympics after positive drug test

Nordine Gezzar was suspended by the French Athletics Federation after he tested positive for EPO, a blood booster banned by the IOC.

Gezzar was scheduled to compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics.

Gezzar tested positive on June 17 during the French elite championships. The 32-year-old Gezzar went on to finish fourth at the European championships in Helsinki that month.

Gezzar could face a lifetime ban from the sport because this is his second offense. He served a two-year suspension after testing positive for a steroid in 2006.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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