In August 2014 the International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Nikael Bikua-Mfantse after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete submitted the FISA questionnaire with medical evidence in his defence and he waived his right to be heard.
The Athlete submitted that at the time he used the medication Preductal prescribed by his cardiologists on several occasions since 2010 for a condition described as myocarditis, and later for other heart conditions. He mentioned his medication on the doping control form and he was sure that it was not a banned substance.
The FISA Panel accepts that the medication was not intended to enhance performance due to the evidence that it was prescribed for a particular medical condition and mentioned on the Doping Control Form. The substance was not banned before 2014 and it was prescribed for him since 2010. He failed to apply for a TUE when the substance became prohibited in 2014.
Considering the Athlete’s degree of fault and his legitimate medical treatment the FISA Doping Hearing Panel decides on 15 December 2014 to impose a 6 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 8 June 2014.
