The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance cannabis. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete was heard for the Disciplinary Committee.
The Athlete denied the intentional use of dagga (cannabis) and was therefore confused after she had been notified about the positive test. She explained that she suffered from flu symptoms and had used Benylin. She had also received an injection from her doctor, but this had caused an allergic reaction.
Thereupon she approached a traditional healer (a family member) who gave her a traditional herb remedy (an imbiza/concoction). Following her positive test she confronted the traditional healer who confirmed that there was dagga in the herb that the Athlete was using. She had been using the herb for a number of months. This was the first test she underwent and she apologised for what had happened.
The Committee concludes that the Athlete had not intention to enhance her performance and had no knowledge that the traditional herb remedy contained dagga.
Therefore the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a 3 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 28 September 2011 to 28 December 2011.
Furhter the Committee notes that it was regrettable that a representative of Boxing South Africa (BSA) was not present at the Inquiry. The facts of this matter highlighted the desperate need for education of athletes on issues of anti-doping in the sport of Boxing.
The ignorance of the Athlete as to anti-doping rules; the use of traditional remedies and the socio-economic circumstances of the Athlete highlight the challenges facing athletes in this sport. Urgent intervention is required by BSA and/or SAIDS to ensure that the above facts are not repeated.
