FIG 2011 FIG vs Anastasiya Melnychenko

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance furosemide.
After notification by FIG the Athlete filed a statement in her defence and was heard for the FIG Disciplinary Commission.
The Athlete stated she had used prescribed medications among which the Lasix which contains Furosemide because of complications with a furuncle and a hospital treatment in October 2010.
Hereafter the Athlete checked on the internet to see if the Lasix is on the list of prohibited substances without making any difference between the name of the medication and the name of the substances.
The commission notes that the Athlete’s coaches were insufficient educated on the risks and procedures linked with the consumption of prohibited substances by their Athletes. They did not call the team doctor to check the medications taken by the Athlete and were not aware that some medications require an authorization (TUE) by the FIG.
In addition the Commission concludes that the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation shows great negligence and lack of communication in order to build an anti-doping environment.
Therefore the FIG Presidential Commission decides:
- to impose a 2 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete;
- to cancel the Athlete’s results;
- to impose a 6 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete’s coach and the Athlete’s head coach;
- to issue a blame to the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation; and
- to sanction Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation to pay a CHF 5,000 fine.