Athletes Cannot Compete Because They Missed Tests

May 9, 2026, 19:53
EuropeSports

Introduction

The International Testing Agency stopped some famous athletes from competing. These athletes did not tell the agency where they were.

Main Body

Athletes must tell the agency where they are every day. This helps the agency do drug tests. If an athlete misses three tests in one year, they cannot compete. Maicol Siqueira from Brazil missed tests. He cannot compete for two years from 2026 to 2028. Ana Barbosu from Romania also missed tests. She is a gymnast. She says she moved to a university in the USA and it was difficult. Now she cannot compete for a short time. Other athletes have the same problem. Alysha Newman and Fred Kerley also missed tests. The agency is very strict with all athletes.

Conclusion

Many top athletes cannot play their sports now. Some athletes want to go to a special court to change this.

Learning

The Power of "Cannot"

In this story, we see a very useful word for A2 learners: cannot (can not).

What does it do? It tells us that someone is not allowed to do something, or it is impossible.

How it works in the text:

  • Athletes cannot compete →\rightarrow They are not allowed to play.
  • He cannot compete for two years →\rightarrow It is impossible for him to play now.

Simple Pattern: Person + cannot + Action

Example from real life:

  • I cannot speak Japanese.
  • She cannot open the door.
  • We cannot go to the park today.

Vocabulary Learning

athlete (n.)
A person who competes in sports.
Example:The athlete won the race.
agency (n.)
An organization that provides a service or makes decisions.
Example:The agency helps athletes with their schedules.
tests (n.)
A check or examination to see if something is good or works.
Example:The athletes had to take drug tests.
miss (v.)
To fail to attend or do something.
Example:She missed the test and could not compete.
compete (v.)
To try to win against others in a contest.
Example:They cannot compete in the championship.
year (n.)
A period of 12 months.
Example:Three tests in one year caused problems.
time (n.)
A point or period when something happens.
Example:She cannot compete for a short time.
problem (n.)
An issue or difficulty.
Example:Other athletes have the same problem.
play (v.)
To participate in a sport or game.
Example:Many top athletes cannot play their sports now.
sports (n.)
Physical activities that involve competition.
Example:She is a gymnast and loves sports.
court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard.
Example:Some athletes want to go to a special court.
change (v.)
To make something different.
Example:They want to change the rules.