In November 2014 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the cyclist Austin Steyn after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance Phentermine. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athlete gave a prompt admission, accepted the test results and denied the intentional use of the substance. He explained that the positive test was caused by ingestion of a diet product Duromine prior to the competition in question in order to suppres his appetite without eating. Afterwards he found out that the Duromine tablet he used contained the prohibited substance.
The Panel accepts the Athlete’s explanation and establish that there are grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel decides on 21 April 2015 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection i.e. on 12 October 2014.
