Swimmer Penny Oleksiak Received a Two-Year Ban for Violating Anti-Doping Rules

• Penny Oleksiak received a two-year ban for three instances of violations
• The ban will last until July 14, 2027
• The swimmer is the most decorated female Olympian from Canada

Toronto (AP) — Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak received a two-year ban for violations of anti-doping rules, the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced on Wednesday.

The seven-time Olympic medalist received the sanction due to three instances of violations of the requirements regarding whereabouts between June 2024 and June 2025. The ban will last until July 14, 2027, which allows Oleksiak to return in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Canada's swimming director, Susan Polins, stated: "We support the enforcement of all anti-doping rules as outlined in the Canadian anti-doping program and through World Aquatics and the global anti-doping agency. While we acknowledge Penny’s situation, these were isolated incidents and she did not utilize banned substances, anti-doping rules are essential for ensuring a level playing field for all athletes."

The violations regarding the whereabouts requirements involve failing to provide three missed tests or not being available for testing during a 12-month period.

ITA informed Oleksiak about the violation earlier this year. Oleksiak was crowned world champion in aquatic sports in July and previously received a ban during that time.

The 25-year-old swimmer from Toronto is the most decorated female Olympian from Canada. She has won seven Olympic medals (one gold, two silver, four bronze) and nine medals from world championships (two silver, seven bronze) throughout her career.

Tags: Sport