Facts
Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) alleged Claudia Hanham, the athlete, for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. Samples were
taken from her on 7 September 2014 and the A sample tested positive for prednisone which is a specified substance according the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2015 Prohibited List.
History
The athlete admitted the use of prednisone, it had been prescribed to her for medical treatment. She was diagnosed with an extremely serious life threatening condition that could result in kidney failure and early mortality - prescribed a high dose of Prednisone (plus other medications) and remained on those drugs at a diminishing level since then. She had mentioned this on the doping control form. Her physician was unaware of any wrong doing because prednisone does not enhance sport performance. He “had no reason to believe that this medication might raise concerns with regard to drug testing agencies for sportspeople”. Although the athlete was advised to stop sporting, she continued and took up coaching as well as sport studies.
On 14 November 2014 an application was made on Claudia’s behalf to the Therapeutic Use Committee of DFS for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). It was granted on 19 November 2014. The TUE authorises her continuing use of the medication containing the Prednisone. Had this been applied for earlier in the year the violation would not have occurred.
The panel does add that the athlete could have done more research then one source to find out that prednisone is a prohibited substance.
Decision
- The sanction is a reprimand.
