Finnish cross-country skier Juha Lallukka has denied having used the forbidden human growth hormone.
Juha Vanhanen, the manager of Lallukka, said in the Finnish commercial television channel MTV3’s sports newscast Tulosruutu that the growth hormone detected in Lallukka’s A-sample originates from the skier’s own system.
“We have been in touch with the Finnish Ski Association and asked for further clarification. We have also approached our cooperation partners and presented our view of what has transpired,” said Kari Niemi-Nikkola, the Sports Director of the Finnish Olympic Committee.