Romanian athletes Elena Antoci and Cristina Vasiloiu, who are suspected of using EPO, announced on Friday that they are withdrawing from all official sports activities.

The two athletes, members of the Romanian team for the 2008 Olympic Games, said they made the decision because their careers and their personal lives have become unbearable due to information leaks and statements that made it clear to them that they would no longer attend the 2008.

Antoci and Vasiloiu are suspect of having used Erythropoietin, or EPO, according to sample A of the drug tests performed by the Lausanne lab, the local media reported on Thursday.

The test was requested by the Romanian National Anti-Doping Association and paid for by the Romanian Olympic Committee.

According to sources close to the athletes, the Lausanne lab said "the profile of the two athletes indicates EPO consumption," but because of the small amount found in the urine "all components could not be confirmed."

Therefore, the lab informed the World Anti-Doping Agency of the situation and recommended the performance of another test before the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Antoci and Vasiloiu did not join the rest of the Romanian team for the 2008 Olympic Games, as they are under suspicion of doping.

The two are coached by Eleodor Rosca, the same person who coached athlete Liliana Popescu, who was also found positive for EPO in May in Alger.

Source: Xinhua