The Athlete was scheduled to compete in the Men’s 400m event at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
In July 2012 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after his pre-competition A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance Testosterone.
The IOC notified the Athlete and a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the IOC Disciplinary Commission.
The Athlete stated he suffered from an injury and had used a homeopathic medicine to accelerate his recovery. This medicine was injected to the Athlete by his personal coach. The Athlete stated he had no intention to enhance his performance and he believed the homeopathic medicine may be contain the prohibited substance.
However a scientific expert concluded that the homeopathic medicine is unlikely to have caused the adverse analytical finding.
De IOC Disciplinary Commission concludes that the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation and decides on 12 August 2012 that the Athlete, Mr. Diego Palomeque Echavarria, Colombia, Athletics:
1.) is excluded from the Games of the London 2012 Olympic Games;
2.) shall have his Olympic identity and accreditation card immediately cancelled and withdrawn.
3.) The NOC of Colombia is requested to investigate the matter of the injections administered to the Athlete by his coach and to take any appropriate sanctions or measures within its own competence. The NOC is further requested to inform the IOC of the results of such investigation, and any sanctions or measures taken, at the latest by 31 October 2012. The IOC reserves its rights to consider possible further sanctions or measures in relation to this matter.
4.) The Athlete’s file shall be transmitted to the International Association of Athletics Federations, which is requested to consider any further action within its own competence.
5.) The NOC of Colombia and LOCOG shall ensure full implementation of this decision.
6.) This decision shall enter into force immediately.
