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Taiwan loses Olympic medal hope

Taiwan's world weightlifting champion Chen Jui-lien's hopes for an Olympic medal were shattered after she failed a dope test.

The Chinese Taipei Weightlifting Federation said on Tuesday it will not enter Chen for the September 15-October 1 Games in Sydney as it did not want to harm the spirit of the Olympics.

Chen -- female weight-lifting world champion in the 63-kg category from 1996-99 -- tested positive for the anabolic steroid Metandienone.

She has been fined one million Taiwan dollars (US $32,162) and banned from participating in any competition for two years.

A spokesman for the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee said Chen's suspension will effect the country's medal chances.