Van Tienen in team despite drug probe

Australian Commonwealth Games officials say weightlifter Belinda Van Tienen will take her place in the team despite reports she could be kicked out of the Games.

Van Tienen was cleared of trafficking performance enhancing drugs by the Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) prior to the Games, but her case has now been referred to the new Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).

ASADA chairman Richards Ings said the case was the first task for the agency, which officially came into existence on Tuesday.

"There is an investigation in place, and ASADA has now assumed responsibility for that investigation," he said.

He declined to comment on the details but said ASADA would complete the process as fairly and quickly as possible.

Australian team chef de mission John Devitt said no advice has been received as to why Van Tienen should not take her place in the team.

"The Australian Commonwealth Games Team is aware that claims have been levelled against Ms Van Tienen, and an investigation was undertaken by the Australian Sports Commission," Devitt said.

"It is our understanding that the matter has not been finalised.

"We have not been advised by the Sports Commission or by the Australian Weightlifting Federation of the results of this inquiry.

"Certainly Ms Van Tienen has not been charged with any offence.

"As such, she is a member of the Australian team at the Commonwealth Games."

Van Tienen was cleared by the AWF of supplying performance enhancing substances believed to have been used by two of her competitors Camilla Fogagnolo and Jenna Myers, both of whom have been suspended for two years.