In November 2011 Polski Związek Pływacki, the Polish Swimming Federation, has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Mirela Olczak after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine.
At the hearing the Athlete stated she had used a supplement to lose some weight in a short time. She found out about the supplement from her colleagues and she took the substance without informing her coach or sports doctor.
On 24 January 2012 the Disciplinary Commission of the Polish Swimming Federation decided to impose a 4 month period of ineligibility starting from 7 December 2011. Following an intervention on the part of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), the Polish Swimming Federation Board increased the Athlete’s sanction to 6 months on 27 March 2012.
Hereafter in April 2012 WADA appealed this decision of the Polish Swimming Federation with the Court of Arbitration for Sports at the Polish Olympic Committee (Trybunał Arbitrażowy do Spraw Sportu przy Polskim Komitecie Olimpijskim). WADA argued that there are no grounds to eliminate or reduce the period of ineligibility in this case.
The Tribunal concludes that the Athlete acted carelessly and 'no significant fault or negligence' have been established on the part of the Athlete. The Tribunal rules that WADA’s appeal should partially be allowed and changes the decision of the Polish Swimming Federation. Therefore the Court of Arbitration for Sports at the Polish Olympic Committee decides to impose a 1 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete. The period of ineligibility is included until the date of giving this decision in the total period of ineligibility of the Athlete.
