In April 2023 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Chinese Athlete Xin Zhang after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Metandienone. Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in her defence.
The Athlete explained that in March 2023 she had attended a group training run and that there had been een mix up of drink bottles. The drink bottle she had prepared for was similar to the drink bottle prepared by others.
The Athlete had contacted the participants who had attended the group training run. She claimed that a Training Partner had added Dianabol (Metandienone) into his bottle to improve muscle strength.
AIU requested assistance from the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) with an investigation into the Athlete's explanation. CHINADA's investigation confirmed that the Training Partner had admitted the use of Methandienone in his drink bottle. Besides he had also purchased and used other banned substances.
The AIU concludes that the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation and that she failed to demonstrate that the violation was not intentional. Thereupon in September 2023 the AIU submitted a Notice of Charge to the Athlete and an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form.
Hereafter the Athlete gave a timely admission, waived her right for a hearing and accepted the sanction proposed by the AIU. Because she had signed and submitted the Acceptance of Consequences Form she received a 1 year reduction from the AIU.
Therefore the AIU decides on 18 October 2023 to impose a 3 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 21 April 2023.
