Western Australian Olympic hero Peter Bol tested negative to performance enhancing drugs 14 times in 2022, it can be revealed, as he fights to keep his career alive after a positive sample.

The athletics star is battling to prove he is not a drug cheat after it was revealed he tested positive for banned substance EPO in early October.

Bol has been provisionally suspended but is vehemently protesting his innocence, claiming he has never “purchased, researched, possessed, administered, or used synthetic EPO or any other prohibited substance”.

The West Australian has been told the 28-year-old was tested 16 times in 2022, including his positive sample on October 11, with 14 coming back clear and the result of one yet to be returned.

Including the October 11 test, Bol has given 16 urine and 10 blood samples.

Under the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, Sport Integrity Australia officials can test an athlete anywhere, at any time and without warning.

Bol’s team believe the initial test was a “marginal reading” and are now sweating on the results of a B sample.

It comes as Australian track champion Matt Shirvington leapt to the defence of Bol, who rose to prominence during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and warned a lengthy ban for the sport’s poster boy could be a significant blow to the athletics in Australia.

“For Peter Bol to be caught up in a debacle like this is devastating for athletics in Australia,” he told 7NEWS.

“His camp is very confused. Baffled by the situation.”

Bol is already WA’s Young Australian of the Year and was a heavy favourite to take out the national award at next week’s Australia Day ceremonies.

“Him being nominated for Young Australian of the Year is testament to Pete as a person, as an athlete, representative of what Australia’s all about — a multicultural nation,” Shirvington said.

EPO is an endurance-based form of doping which boosts the body’s capacity to produce red-blood cells and allows it to use more oxygen during exercise.

It’s the same drug disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted to using during seven Tour de France victories.

Leading Australian sports doctor Peter Larkins says he is not aware of any form of oral EPO, meaning Bol would have to had the banned drug injected into him.

Bol released a statement via social media on Friday.

“It is critically important to convey with the strongest conviction that I am innocent and have not taken this substance as I am accused,” he said.

“I ask that everyone in Australia believe me and let the process play out.

“When I found out last week that the A sample from a urine test taken on 11 October had tested positive for synthetic EPO I was in total shock.

“To be clear, I have NEVER in my life purchased, researched, possessed, administered or used synthetic EPO or any other prohibited substance.

“Above all, I remain hopeful that the process will exonerate me. My career, hopes and dreams are literally hanging in the balance over these next few weeks, and I ask everyone to respect my privacy as i remain provisionally suspended.”