In April 2011 the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the minor Athlete Chad Eekhout after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance ephedrine. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete was heard for the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee.
The Athlete admitted the violation and stated that in the days before and during the competition he suffered from a cold and flu. Therefore he used 4-in-1 Flu Combination, purchased ‘off the shell’ by his mother in a pharmacy in Johannesburg and also mentioned this medication on de Doping Control Form.
The container of the medication was not labelled and the Athlete did not reseach the ingredients of the product before using. After the positive test, information from the pharmacy showed that the Sinucon tablet in the 4-in-1 Flu combination contained ephedrine.
Considering the circumstances the Committee concludes that the Athlete took the medication for his cold and flu and without intention to enhance his sport performance. Therefore the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a 3 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the notification, i.e. on 5 April 2011.
