Weightlifting: Drug suspension boosts Baker's hopes

New Zealand weightlifter Olivia Baker's ambitions of a top-10 finish at the Sydney Olympics were boosted yesterday when one of her main rivals was banned for two years after testing positive for anabolic steroids.

Nigeria's top medal hope, Bilkisu Musa, was banned by her national weightlifting federation after failing a test in March at an event in Australia.

Nigeria were only readmitted to the Commonwealth last year and Musa, aged 32, soon loomed as a serious obstacle for Wellingtonian Baker in the 75kg-plus class.