2024 Paris Olympic Dressage Team Ranking Revised: Belgium Drops to Tenth Place

Domien Michiels’ positive drug test at the 2024 Paris Olympics has led to Belgium’s dressage team ranking dropping to tenth. The ITA disqualified Michiels for testing positive for dorzolamide but affirmed that the team’s overall results remain unchanged due to exceptional circumstances. Despite the controversy surrounding the rankings, officials maintain that Belgium’s fifth place is valid until further notice from the IOC.

The recent alteration of the dressage team rankings for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has resulted in Belgium dropping to tenth place, following a positive drug test by athlete Domien Michiels on August 3, 2024. Although the Belgian Equestrian Federation (KBRSF) and the Belgian Olympic Committee (BOIC) have not confirmed this change officially, it has been reflected in the results database of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale).

Following an investigation, the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced on January 22, 2025, that Michiels was disqualified from the team final for testing positive for dorzolamide, a prohibited substance categorized under diuretics and masking agents by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Notably, Michiels was not subjected to a mandatory provisional suspension due to the classification of the substance as specified.

Throughout the proceedings, Michiels demonstrated that the forbidden substance inadvertently entered his system after administering eye drops containing dorzolamide to his dog, which was unwell. The ITA noted, “…the presence of dorzolamide in his sample constitutes an ADRV (anti-doping rule violation). The athlete was however able to establish that he bore ‘No Fault or Negligence’ for the ADRV.”

Despite Michiels’ disqualification, the team result stands unchanged. The sole consequence for him was the disqualification of his individual results at the Dressage Team Grand Prix on August 3, 2024, meaning Belgium’s team results remain valid. This situation was confirmed by the KBRSF, expressing their relief that the team’s performance was maintained despite individual infractions.

Eurodressage sought clarification from the ITA about how a team result could remain valid if one member was disqualified. Marta Nawrocka, ITA’s Head of Communications, explained that according to IOC Anti-Doping Rules, disqualification can be exempted under “exceptional circumstances”. Given Michiels’ inadvertent violation and finding of “No Fault or Negligence”, it was concluded that the team results would not be disqualified.

Upon reviewing the FEI regulations, Horse & Hound’s Lucy Elder highlighted the potential for a team’s position to remain unchanged amidst human doping rule violations. Nonetheless, the ITA did not respond to further inquiries on this matter.

On March 18, 2025, Cheval Magazine reported the reshuffling of the team rankings and sought a comment from the KBRSF advisor, though no response was given. In contrast, BOIC communications manager Matthias van Baelen reaffirmed that until an official notification from the IOC was received regarding the standings, Belgium’s fifth place would remain unchanged on official records.

According to the updated FEI results, the revised rankings indicate a dramatic shift in team positions, with Germany and Denmark claiming the top two spots, while Belgium has fallen to tenth place. Malina Gueorguiev, FEI communications manager, stated, “The amended results as they appear in the FEI database are final.”

In summary, the recent positive drug test by Domien Michiels has resulted in Belgium being ranked tenth in the dressage team standings for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite the disqualification of Michiels from individual competition, the team results remain intact due to the findings of no fault or negligence. This situation underscores the complexities of doping regulations and their implications for team rankings, leading to considerable discussions within the equestrian community.

Original Source: www.eurodressage.com