The International Gymnastics Federation imposed the ban after both tested positive for furosemide -- a diuretic sometimes used by athletes to shed weight quickly or to mask other forbidden products. The suspension was backdated to the date of the positive test -- the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, in August 2001.
The federation ordered the pair to return the medals they won at the rhythmic gymnastics World Championships, held in Madrid, Spain, in October. Kabayeva, 18, was overall world champion while 19-year-old Tchachina took the silver, and between them the pair won gold and silver in every event.
FIG announced last month that Tchachina tested positive again for furosemide during the world championships.
The Russian rhythmic gymnastics federation will file an appeal, a federation official said Thursday.
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