In November 2015 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the equestrian Gail Foxcroft after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Phentermine. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athlete admitted the violation and explained with medical information that she had used the prescribed product Duromine in order to deal with a weight problem she suffered all her life and not to enhance her performance. She always stopped using this product at least 9 days before a competion on advice of her doctor. The Athlete also used the medication Diotroxin for a hypo-thyroid disorder.
Medical examination of the Athlete during the proceedings revealed that the medication Diotroxin not only effected the Athlete’s thyroid. The medication also created a weight problem, a decreased rate of metabolism by the body and a drug interaction between the 2 medications the Athlete took. In this situation there was an increased rate of absorption and a reduced rate of excretion or metabolism of Phentermine. It would lead to an increased half-life and drug clearance time for Phentermine. As a result the Athlete’s hold on using Duromine (Phentermine) 9 days prior to competition was insufficient to excrete the substance out of her system leading to a positive test.
The Panel accepts the Athlete’s evidence and established that the violation was not intentional with grounds for No Significant Fault or Negligence for a reduced sanction.
Therefore the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel decides on 13 July 2016 to impose a 1 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 26 November 2015.
