Long distance runner Zane Robertson has been issued an 8-year ban for doping.

Zane Robertson tested positive for a prohibited substance, EPO, and was found to have tampered with the doping control process.

Drug Free Sport Chief Executive Nick Paterson says they'd been monitoring their overseas athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing intelligence led to them testing Robertson.

"We didn't necessarily have specific worries about him, but in the high-risk environment, we thought it prudent to do some testing."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Kiwi Olympian suspended eight years for doping
• Kiwi medal hope Zane Robertson forced out of Games