In November 2023 Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the powerlifter Chris Kennedy after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance Methylphenidate (Ritalinic Acid).
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in his defence. The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand rendered a decision based on the written submissions of the Parties.
The Athlete admitted the use of the substance and asserted that it was used out-of-competition, 3 days before the competition. He claimed that he was entitled to coach clients in powerlifting during the provisional suspension because they were not competitive athletes, nor subjected to the Rules.
DFSNZ contended that the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation and accepted that the violation was not intentional. It rejected the Athlete's explanations regarding his coaching of clients during the provisional suspension.
DFSNZ established that at least one client was member of the New Zealand Powerlifting Federation. Also it established that this client had recently participated as powerlifter in a competition.
In view of the evidence the Tribunal concludes that the Athlete's violation was not intentional. Furthermore the Tribunal deems that the Athlete breached the provisional suspension through coaching clients.
Therefore the Tribunal decides on 25 March 2024 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the decision.
