In November 2018 United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the bobsleigh Athlete Nathan Togun after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Stanozolol.
Consequently UKAD decided on 5 August 2019 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 13 November 2018 until 12 November 2022.
During the Athlete's period of ineligibility UKAD reported 2 separate new anti-doping rule violations against the Athlete:
- In February 2020 for his breach of ineligibility;
- In June 2021 for tampering with any part of the doping control process.
After an investigation UKAD established in late 2019 that the Athlete had assisted a professional boxer in preparation for a bout. Thereupon UKAD's second investigation established in November 2022 that the Athlete previously had produced a false medical statement for his Stanazolol prescription.
Following notification of these separate anti-doping rule violations UKAD imposed a new provisional suspension, starting on the date the Athlete's current period of ineligibility expired.
In February 2020 the Athlete admitted that he had sparring sessions with the boxer and had assisted him with strenght and conditions sessions. The Athlete believed that his ban prohibited him from assisting athletes in bobsleigh and athletics only, as he prior had competed in these two sports.
In November 2021 the Athlete asserted that the medical statement for the prescription of Stanazolol was genuine when he presented this to UKAD. Ultimately in February 2023 he admitted that this medical statement was a falsification.
In view of the Athlete's conduct UKAD accepts that the Athlete's breach of ban was not intentional. As a result the Athlete accepts a 1 year period of ineligibility proposed by UKAD.
In the matter of the Tampering violation UKAD deems that the Athlete had committed a seconds anti-doping rule violation without grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore UKAD decides on 2 August 2023 that:
- a.) Mr Togun has committed an ADRV pursuant to 2015 ADR Article 2.5;
- b.) This constitutes Mr Togun’s second ADRV. In accordance with 2015 ADR Article 10.7.1 the applicable period of Ineligibility is eight (8) years;
- c.) Separately, Mr Togun has committed a violation of the prohibition against assisting Athletes pursuant to 2019 ADR Article 10.12.1;
- d.) A further period of Ineligibility of one (1) year shall be imposed pursuant to 2019 ADR Article 10.12.5;
- e.) The total further period of Ineligibility to be applied in respect of Mr Togun’s 2015 ADR Article 2.5 violation and 2019 ADR Article 10.12.1 violation is therefore nine (9) years;
- f.) Acknowledging Mr Togun’s Provisional Suspension, the period of Ineligibility is deemed to have commenced on 13 November 2022 and will expire at 11:59pm on 12 November 2031; and
- g.) Mr Togun’s status during the period of Ineligibility shall be as detailed in 2021 ADR Article 10.14.
