In April 2010 the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) - Athletics Ireland (AI) - has reported an Anti-Doping Rule Violation against the Athlete (IS-4003) after her sample, collected in Canada, tested positive for the prohibited substance ephedrine in a low concentration.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement with evidence in her defence and she was heard for the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel.
The Athlete promptly admitted the violation and stated that she had used ephedrine tablets purchased in a health food store in Canada and ephedrine nasal drops purchased in Ireland. During the competition in Canada her asthma had been particularly severe and the prescribed nasal medication had been ineffective and therefore she had purchased the tablets in the local health food store. The Athlete argued that both products were used without intention to enhance her performance and with a TUE for the use of her medication she admitted that she failed to mention these purchased products on the Doping Control Form.
The Panel accepts the Athlete’s statement and medical evidence and concludes that the use of the products was without intention to enhance her performance. Therefore the Panel decides on 11 June 2010 to impose a reprimand and a 8 week period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the notification.
