In June 2009 the International Triathlon Union (ITU) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Jiao Caiping after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance prednisone.
After notification the Athlete waived her right to be heard for the ITU Anti-Doping Hearing Panel and filed a statement and medical documentation in her defence.
The Athlete submitted that she suffered from a heel injury in January 2009 and was treated in a hospital in China. Following rehabilitation and physiotherapy, a prednisone injection was administered in March 2009. The Athlete stated that she consulted with her team doctor about the use of prednisone out-of-competition and was told that she did not need to apply for a TUE for local treatment like the administered prednisone injection. She further asserted that she did not declare the use of the substance on her doping control form because the form indicated that the medical declaration was for substances used 7 days prior to doping control. Since her injection was on 19 March, she did not declare the Prednisone injection on her form and had no intention to enhance her sport performance.
Considering the evidence and statements, the Panel concludes that the Athlete had a valid injury and a valid medical treatment without intention to enhance her sport performance.
Therefore the ITU Anti-Doping Hearing Panel decides on 3 July 2009 to impose a warning on the Athlete.
