Russian runner stripped of 2008 Olympics gold after failing doping test

Decision heaps more shame on Russia, which only has one competitor in Rio's athletics competition because its federation is currently banned for operating state-sponsored doping programme

Yuliya Chermoshanskaya of Russia celebrates winning the Women's 4 x 100m Relay Final at the National Stadium on Day 14 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on 22 August, 2008, in Beijing, China (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Brazil won a bronze medal in the athletics on Tuesday - but it was from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing rather than Rio.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed that Russian sprinter Yulia Chermoshanskaya is among the 98 athletes who have so far been caught in the re-testing of anti-doping samples from the 2008 and 2012 Games.

The 30-year-old ran the final leg in Russia's surprise victory in the 4x100 metres relay, beating Belgium and Nigeria, with both Great Britain and Jamaica failing to get the baton around.

But Ms Chermoshanskaya's positive test for two steroids means she loses her eighth place in the 200m final and Russia are disqualified from the relay final.

That lifts Belgium into first place and Brazil are upgraded to bronze, with the IOC asking the Russians to return their medals immediately.

This decision heaps more shame on Russia, which only has one competitor in Rio's athletics competition because its federation is currently banned for operating a state-sponsored doping programme.

Press Association