In June 2016 Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported and anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent Graig Wallace after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance salbutamol in a concentration above the WADA threshold.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Respondent filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand.
The Respondent admitted the violation and stated that he had used prescribed Ventolin (salbutamol) as treatment for his asthma. He asserted, sustained by his nurse, that the elevated level of salbutamol was due to his incorrect technique in using his inhaler and consequently taking more puffs.
The Tribunal accepts the Respondent’s explanation and that the anti-doping violation was non intentional.
With no significant fault or negligence the Tribunal decides on 27 July 2016 to impose a 1 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent for the time already serviced, i.e. from the date of the provisional suspension until the date of the decision.
