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Updated at 8:15 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2008

Olympics: Steeplechaser Vroemen fails doping test

Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch steeplechaser Simon Vroemen could be cut from his country's Olympic team because he failed a doping test he requested after running an especially fast time.

The 39-year-old runner told Dutch national broadcaster NOS he made the unusual request in an apparent attempt to preempt suspicion of cheating. He is to appear at a hearing Monday.

Vroemen announced this month that traces of the steroid metandienone were found in a urine test. He said on his Web site this week the "B'' sample also tested positive, but he plans to appeal.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, Athletics Union general secretary Rien van Haperen said the federation received written confirmation of the failed tests Friday from the Netherlands Doping Authority. He said the Royal Dutch Athletics Federation and National Olympic Committee will comment after Monday's hearing.

Vroemen was tested in Germany on June 11 after running the third fastest 3,000-meter steeplechase in the world this year. His time of 8 minutes, 12.50 seconds was more than seven seconds inside the Olympic qualifying.

Vroemen's attorney, Eric Vile, declined comment.