Weightlifter ordered to return 2004 medal

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A Russian weightlifter has had his 2004 Olympic bronze medal rescinded for violations of anti-doping rules, the International Olympic committee said Tuesday.

Oleg Perepetchenov, who finished third in at the Athens Games in the 77kg weightlifting event, was determined to have "a prohibited substance of its metabolites or marker" in specimens collected at the Games eight years ago.

Olympics officials retain samples for eight years to utilize possible improvements in anti-doping technology. Several athletes have had results voided years after the competition because of the IOC's practice.

A release from the IOC Tuesday said the Russian Olympic Committee was ordered to return the bronze medal and certificate presented to Perepetchenov. It also stated that the case was referred to the International Weightlifting Federation for "any further action within its own competence."

Taner Sagir of Turkey won the 77kg weightlifting gold medal in 2004 with a total lift of 375 kg. Sergey Filimonov of Kazakhstan was second at 372.5 kg and Perepetchenov was credited with a total lift of 365 kg. Turkey's Reyhan Arabacioglu was fourth. The IOC release didn't state whether Arabacioglu would be given the bronze medal.