In July 2024 the Sport Integrity Commission (SIC) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the softball player Mikayla Werahiko after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis in a concentration above the WADA threshold.
After notification the Athlete gave a timely admission, waived her right for a hearing, accepted a provisional suspension and the sanction proposed by the Sport Integrity Commission (SIC).
The Athlete acknowledged that she had used Cannabis recreationally in the week prior to the sample collection. The SIC accepted the explanation and deemed that the use of Cannabis was unrelated to sport and out-of-competition.
The parties in this case reached an agreement and filed a joint memorandum in relation to the sanction for approval into a decision of the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand. Because the Athlete demonstrated that she underwent an approved Substance of Abuse treatment program the SIC reduced the sanction down to one month.
Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides on 29 August 2024 to impose a 1 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 15 July 2024.
