Weightlifter Sarah Robles plans to compete in Rio after ban

Weightlifter Sarah Robles, who was handed a two-year drugs suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said she accepts her ban but hopes to compete in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

A member of the U.S. team at the 2012 London Olympics, Robles tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid in an out-of-competition and two in-competition urine samples collected by both USADA and the International Weightlifting Federation, the U.S. drug agency said in a statement. Robles said she used a supplement containing the banned substance on advice from doctors to help treat polycystic ovary syndrome. "While disappointed in their decision, I accept the conditions of my suspension, and I am grateful to the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) and USADA for taking all facets of my situation into consideration when their decision was made," Robles said in a statement. "Although it breaks my heart to be away from the sport I love for two years, I made a choice to take care of my health as advised by my doctor. "I have always advocated clean sport, and I still do. I also support a person`s ability to take care of themselves and their health." Called the strongest woman in America, Robles placed seventh in the +75 kilogram super-heavyweight division in London but gained attention for her story of perseverance, living on $400 a month while trying to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic squad. "I still have a lot to give as an athlete, and I plan on returning to weightlifting, with hopes to participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro," said Robles. "I also plan to continue advocacy for positive body image, women`s rights, and of course, clean sport."