Facts
The United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) had charged Timothy Grant, the athlete, for a violation of the Anti-Doping Rules. On May 9, 2015, the athlete provided an in-competition sample for doping test purposes during a rowing event in Belgium. The sample of the athlete showed the presence of modafinil which is a prohibited substances according the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2015 prohibited list. It is regarded as a non-specified substance.
History
The athlete accepted the charge but indicated that he had acted with No Significant Fault or Negligence. Due to coursework for his exams he was advised to take Modalert pills to keep him awake and alert. It is considered as a central nervous stimulant. These pills were the cause for the positive test.
The panel had accepted that the athlete had taken modafinil for reasons unrelated to rowing, but to assist in his studies. His actions were unintentionally.
However the panel concludes that the athlete had not taken adequate steps to ensure he was not competing with a prohibited substance in his system. The violation was unintentional but without No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Decision
- The sanction is a period of ineligibility of two years commencing on July 21, 2015 until July 20, 2017.
- There will be no reduction of the sanction despite the prompt admission.
- Two months before the end of the sanction the athlete is allowed to use the training facilities.
