Related case:
CAS 2018_A_5695 Bernadette Coston vs SAIDS
February 8, 2019
In February 2018 the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported and anti-doping rule violation against the hocky player Bernadette Coston after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Methylhexaneamine (dimethylpentylamine). After notification the Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Tribunal.
The Athlete admitted the violation, accepted the test results and explained that she had used several supplements. She asserted that she had mentioned these supplements on the Doping Control Form and had researched the ingredients before using. She claimed that the recovery drink she had used was the possible source of the positive test. However analysis of this product in the Bloemfontein Lab revealed no prohibited substances.
SAIDS deems that the test result established the presence of multiple prohibited substances and accordingly that the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation. SAIDS holds that the Athlete knew there was a significant risk that her conduct might consitute or result in an anti-doping rule violation and manifestly disregared that risk.
SAIDS contended that the Athlete failed to research properly this product and failed to consult professional experts she had access to. Instead she relied on the advice of a representative of supplements about this product while the website of this product clearly mentioned that it is to increase testosterone and growth hormones. SAIDS also argued that after analysis in the Lab there is no evidence that this product in fact was contaminated with Methylhexaneamine.
The Panel considers the Athlete’s degree of fault in this case and agrees that the Athlete did fall short of the high standards imposed on an athlete to exercise utmost caution to avoid an anti-doping rule violation. Therefore the SAIDS Anti-Doping Tribunal decides on 20 March 2018 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the hearing, i.e. on 19 February 2018.
