Albanian weightlifter is Games' first doping casualty

Albanian weightlifter Hysen Pulaku has become the first athlete caught doping at the London Olympics after failing a test for a banned steroid, officials said today.

Pulaku tested positive for stanozolol in London on July 23, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said. Two Turkish weightlifters have also been kicked out of the Games after failing pre-competition tests.

"The International Olympic Committee today announced that weightlifter Hysen Pulaku from Albania has been excluded from the Games of the 30th Olympiad in London," an IOC statement said.

The 77kg competitor, 19, becomes the 10th weightlifter caught doping at an Olympic Games since 2000.

European silver-medallist Fatih Baydar and Ibrahim Arat were expelled from Turkey's squad after failing dope tests on July 7.

About a dozen other athletes have also been barred in the lead-up to the Games for pre-competition doping offences.