Rings star Van Gelder fails test

Van Gelder is the current European champion on the rings

Former rings world champion gymnast Yuri van Gelder is facing a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine.

The Dutch Gymnastics Union (KNGU) said it had suspended Van Gelder, 26, after a positive urine test result following a national competition in June.

Van Gelder, nicknamed 'Lord of the Rings' by the Dutch media, described his cocaine use as "idiotic".

"I only did it for the fun," he told a news conference. "I'm devastated about what's happened."

Van Gelder said the Dutch Defence Ministry had suspended him from his post as a sergeant ahead of disciplinary proceedings.

He added that he hoped to carry on his sporting career after the suspension and he would be seeking help for his drug use.

Van Gelder won the rings gold medal at the 2005 world championships and is the current European champion on the apparatus.