The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the American swimmer Madisyn Cox after her sample - provided in February 2018 - tested positive for the prohibited substance Trimetazidine.
In this case the FINA Doping Panel accepts that the violation was admitted and not intentional for imposing a reduced sanction. Here the FINA Hearing Panel considered (1) the low level in her urine, (2) that no Trimetazidine was detected in her hair sample, and (3) her in-person testimony.
Considering the evidence the Panel is not convinced and cannot conclude that the Athlete provided the evidence required to prove on a balance of probability that tap water she consumed in Austin, Texas caused the AAF. It remains unclear if tap water caused the AAF or if the AAF was caused by some other incidental and inadvertent contact with Trimetazidine such as food she consumed, her supplements, contact with food handlers or social contact with friends or strangers. All of this is speculative and remains unknown.
As a result the FINA Doping Panel concludes that the Athlete failed to establish how the substance entered her system and decides:
1.) Ms. Madisyn Cox is found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation under FINA DC 2.1, presence of a prohibited substance Trimetazidine in an athlete’s sample (Class S4.5.4 of the WADA Prohibited List, 2018 – Hormones and Metabolites
2.) Ms. Madisyn Cox is sanctioned with a two (2) year ineligibility period in accordance with FINA DC 10.2.2. The sanction starts on 3 March 2018, the day she last competed and ends on 2 March 2020.
3.) All results obtained by Ms. Madisyn Cox from 5 February 2018, shall be annulled together with the consequences thereof which shall include the forfeiture of any medals, points, prizes or the reimbursement of prize-money.
4.) All costs of this case shall be borne by USA Swimming association in accordance with FINA DC 12.3.
5.) Any appeal against this decision may be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Lausanne, Switzerland not later than twenty one (21) days after receipt of the complete and reasoned judgement (FINA Rule C 12.11.4 and DC 13).
