Kowalczyk banned two years for doping{mosimage}OBERHOFEN, Switzerland (AP) -- Cross-country skier Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland was banned for two years for using a banned steroid.

International Ski Federation Secretary General Sarah Lewis said Thursday that the FIS Doping Panel made its decision earlier in the week.

Kowalczyk tested positive for Dexamethason at the under-23 Alpine Nations Intercontinental Cup competition on Jan. 23 in Germany.

Kowalczyk, 22, is ineligible to participate in competitive skiing until Jan. 22, 2007.

Her results from the Intercontinental Cup and all subsequent ones have been voided, including her fourth-place finish in the 30-kilometer cross country race at the world championships in February.

-AP