Penny Oleksiak, the most decorated female Olympian in Canadian history, has accepted a two-year ban from competitive swimming for an anti-doping rule violation.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) made the announcement on Tuesday after the seven-time Olympic medalist suffered three whereabouts failures between October 2024 and June 2025.
Oleksiak’s suspension is set to expire on July 14, 2027, ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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According to ESPN, Swimming Canada CEO Suzanne Poulins said in a statement, “We are committed to the enforcement and support of all anti-doping rules outlined in the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and through World Aquatics and the World Anti-Doping Agency.”
“Although we accept Penny’s explanation that these were unintentional mistakes and that she did not use banned substances, anti-doping rules are in place to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.
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“We will miss Penny on the national team and hopefully we’ll see her back in the pool when she’s eligible.”
A whereabouts failure, as defined by the World Anti-Doping Code, occurs when any combination of three missed tests or filing failures occurs within a 12-month period.
Oleksiak was informed by the ITA about the whereabouts issue earlier this year, which led to him receiving a provisional suspension in July. She withdrew from the World Aquatics Championships that month.
Penny Oleksiak competes in the final of the women’s 50 meter freestyle during the Canadian Olympic Swimming Trials 2024 in Toronto on May 19, 2024. (Ian McNicol/Getty Images)
“I have always been a clean athlete and will not be making any further comments at this time,” Oleksiak said of her withdrawal from the World Aquatics Championships in July 2025.
Oleksiak, 25, has won one gold medal, two silver and four bronze medals in his Olympic career. Her all-time record of seven medals, male or female, is tied with sprinter Andre de Grasse.
Penny Oleksiak of Canada before competing in the women’s 100 meter freestyle final at the TYR Pro Swim Series Westmont at the FMC Natatorium on March 6, 2025 in Westmont, Illinois. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
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She also has nine World Championships medals, winning two silver medals and seven bronze medals in her career.
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