The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Prednisone and Prednisolone.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Disciplinary Committee.
The Athlete stated he had used medication prescribed by his medical doctor a few days prior to the event. The Athlete’s doctor confirmed that the Athlete had been suffering from a severe ear infection and that he prescribed medication containing prednisone. The doctor indicated that the medication had no performance enhancing effect for the Athlete. The doctor had neglected to apply for a TUE, or to advise the Athlete to do so himself.
The Committee concludes that the Athlete had used the prescribed medication for a legitimate medical condition. The Athlete has a low degree of fault and he did not know that he could, or should, have applied for a TUE.
Considering the circumstances and to impose an appropriate sanction, the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a 2 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 4 May 2011 to 4 July 2011. Therefore the Athlete serves a nominal 2 week period of ineligibility from the date of the hearing, i.e. on 22 June to 4 July 2011.
