In May 2018 Anti-Doping Norway (ADNO) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the powerlifter for his refusal or failure to submit to sample collection out-of-competition at his home in November 2017. After notification the Athlete did not accept a provisional suspension nor filed a statement in his defence. The NIF Judging Committee settled the case based on the written submissions of the parties.
ADNO requested the Judging Committee for a sanction of 4 years due to the Athlete had intentionally refusal to submit to sample collection. ADNO contended that before the Athlete’s refusal in November 2017 the Athlete had cancelled his membership of the Norwegian Powerlift Federationin March 2017, yet he remainded submitted to Doping Control for 1 year. Although the Athlete was duly informed by the Doping Control Officers (DCOs) about the consequences the Athlete still refused to cooperate.
Prior the Athlete had stated to ADNO that he had cancelled his membership and retired from powerlifting since March 2017 and therefore not submitted anymore to Doping Control. He denied that the DCOs had informed him about the consequences of his refusal and asserted that they were unaware that he had retired. Because of his retirement from powerlifting the Athlete showed no concern about a sanction for his refusal.
The Judging Committee finds that under the Rules the Athlete is subjected to Doping Control 1 year after the cancellation of his membership. The Committee concludes that the Athlete clearly had refused to submit to sample collection and that he was duly informed about the consequences of his refusal.
Considering that there had been substantial delays in the proceedings not attributed to the Athlete the NIF Judging Committee decides on 12 September 2019 to impose a 3 year and 8 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete.
