In June 2004 the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Danish swimmer Mette Jacobsen after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Salbutamol, Prednisolone and Prednisone. The Athlete had a valid TUE for the use of Salbutamol but no TUE for the use of Prednisolone and Prednisone. After notification the Athlete was heard for the FINA doping Panel.
The Athlete accepted the test result and denied the intentional use of the substances. The Athlete suffered from Asthma since 1993 and she explained that in February 2004 she had used prescribed antibiotics for the pneumonia she suffered. As she became ill in April her doctor prescribed antibiotics again. Here the Athlete’s doctor recognized that in April 2004 he provided the wrong tablets to the Athlete.
In June 2004 the Athlete’s doctor made TUE applications with FINA and the IOC for the medication he prescribed.
The Panel concludes that the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation as her sample tested positive for prednisolone and prednisone. The Panel finds that the Athlete failed to establish without any doubt that the violation was the Athlete’s doctor fault because he provided wrong tablets to her. This is only a possibility. The Panel considers that the Athlete was tested before without issues, that the IOC already granted the Athlete a TUE for the use of glucocorticosteroids and most probably that the FINA also would have been granted a TUE for the use of glucocortcosteroids.
Therefore the FINA Doping Panel decides on 20 July 2004 only to impose a warning and reprimand on the Athlete without a period of ineligibility.
