Maggi overturns drug test

Maggi missed the Pan-Am Games

Brazilian long jumper Maurren Higa Maggi has been cleared of drug charges by her own athletics federation.

Brazil's Superior Sports Tribunal (SST) upheld her claims that the positive test stemmed froma substance used during a hair removal procedure.

"The seven judges of the SST voted unanimously to acquit her," said Paulo Pinto of the Brazilian Athletics Confederation.

Maggi tested positive in June after winning gold at the Brazil Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old was suspended for two years and subsequently missed the 2003 Pan-Am Games.

But the judges accepted Maggi's argument that the use of the banned product was unintentional, Pinto said.

Maggi claimed the substance was one of the components of a pharmaceutical cream she used after cutting herself during a hair removal process.

The tribunal's decision must still be ratified by the IAAF.

If the world athletics governing body upholds the verdict, Maggi will be able to compete at the Athens Olympics.

If the IAAF does not ratify her acquittal, the case will be heard by the IOC's Court of Arbitration for Sports.