Ysaora Thibus, one of the leading contenders for gold in the foil event, has been officially named in the French fencing team for the Olympics. However, she faces potential disqualification from medal contention due to an ongoing appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Thibus, aged 32, was initially suspended by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) in February following a positive test for the prohibited substance Ostarine. She was subsequently exonerated by the FIE in May, but WADA has contested this decision, appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and seeking a four-year ban for Thibus, the Tokyo silver medalist. Despite the appeal, she is permitted to compete until a final verdict is reached, though the timeline for this remains uncertain, with her lawyer suggesting it could take several months.
Joelle Monlouis, Thibus's lawyer, commented, "It's not an easy situation, but she's a champion. She is focused on the Games." Thibus is also set to participate in the team event. The French Fencing Federation (FFE) has acknowledged WADA's non-suspensive appeal, stating that it does not bar Thibus from competing in the Olympics. The FFE has affirmed its commitment to the current lineup for the women's foil event, expressing confidence in Thibus and her role in the Paris 2024 Olympic journey.
Jean-Yves Robin, the national technical director for the French Olympic team, emphasized the team's concentration on the upcoming competition, four days before the women's foil event. "We're going to control what we can control, which is the sports side of things," Robin stated. He noted that the team is focused on their performance on the piste and not distracted by external issues. The fencing competition is scheduled from July 27 to August 4 at the Grand Palais, with the women's foil individual event on Sunday and the team event on August 1.
Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), is illegal for human use and can be sourced on the black market, according to the US Anti-Doping Agency. It is known to enhance lean body mass and is sometimes found in certain supplements.
