In November 2024 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf on World Athletics, reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Kenyan Athlete Beatrice Jelagat Cherop after her sample tested positive for the in competition prohibited substance Triamcinolone acetonide.

Following notification the Athlete timely admitted the violation, waived her right for a hearing and accepted the sanction proposed by the AIU. She also signed and submitted the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form.

The AIU deems that there is no evidence that the Athlete's violation was intentional. Further the AIU determines there are no grounds for a reduced sanction.

Therefore the AIU decides on 2 December 2024 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on 27 November 2024 and the disqualification of the Athlete’s results on and since 6 October 2024with all resulting Consequences.

In August 2024 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Eritrean Athlete Kibrom Weldemicael after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Erythropoietin (EPO) and Furosemide.

Following notification a provisionally suspension was ordered. The Athlete denied that the violation was intentional and requested analysis of his B-sample. 

Thereupon the Athlete failed to confirm his request for analysis of his B sample, nor could he explain how the prohibited substances had entered his system. Hereafter the Athlete failed to respond the communication of the AIU.

Because the Athlete did not respond within the set deadline the AIU rules in November 2024 that the Athlete was deemed to have waived his right for a hearing and accepted the consequences. Moreover he had had failed to sign and submit the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form.

The AIU determines that the Athlete failed to establish that the violation was not intentional. Further it determines that Athlete's use of multiple Prohibited Substances meets the definition of Aggravating Circumstances which justifies the imposition of a more severe sanction.

Therefore the AIU decides on 2 December 2024 to impose a 6 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 9 August 2024.

In January 2024 the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Finley Evans after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Enobosarm (Ostarine).

Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel. 

The Athlete accepted the test result and denied the intentional use of the substance. He explained that in 2023 he suffered from numerous infections related to glandular fever and underwent several medical treatments.

He used supplement to support recovery and he assumed that two particular supplements were the source of the positive test. However these supplements could not be tested anymore, because after the notice of charge, he had destroyed all the supplements he had in his possession.

The Panel finds that the presence of prohibited substance has been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that he committed an anti-doping rule violation.

Because the Athlete had destroyed his supplements the Panel determines that there is a lack of corroborating evidence in the his defence. As a result the Panel deems that he failed to demonstrate that the violation was not intentional, nor how the substance otherwise had entered his system.

Therefore the Panel decides on 16 September 2024 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 19 January 2024.

In September 2024 the International Tennis Federation (ITF) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Polish tennis player Iga Świątek after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Trimetazidine.

Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement with evidence in her defence and requested to lift the provisional suspension.

The Athlete accepted the test result, denied the intentional use of the substance and assumed that a contaminated medication had caused the positive test result. Thereupon she made available an opened container of this melatonin medication and a sealed container from the same batch.

Analysis of the tablets of these containers in the Salt Lake City Laboratory in October 2024 confirmed the presence of Trimetazidine contaminants. Moreover the ITF's experts confirmed that the amount of contaminants detected were consistent with the concentration Trimetazidine established in the Athlete's sample.

After confirmation of the medication contamination by the Salt Lake City Laboratory the ITF granted the Athlete's request to lift the provisional suspension. Nevertheless the ITF deems that the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation.

Hereafter the Athlete admitted the violation, waived her right for a hearing and accepted the sanction proposed by the ITF. In view of the evidence the ITF concluded that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional and that the Athlete acted with a low degree of fault or negligence regarding her medication.

Therefore the ITF decides on 27 November 2024 to impose a reduced 1 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete. The sanction shall start on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 12 September 2024, until 4 December 2024.

In September 2024, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported multiple anti-doping rule violations against the Kenyan Athlete Emmaculate Anyango Achol after her samples tested positive for 2 prohibited substances.

The Athlete's 3 samples, provided in February, March and in June 2024, tested positive for Testosterone and its metabolites. Moreover a blood sample provided in June 2024 tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO).

Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete filed a statement in her defence. She accepted the test results and denied the intentional use of the substances.

She could not explain how these prohibited substances had entered her system. With medical documents she demonstrated that she underwent several medical treatments in hospitals in Kenya. 

The AIU found that these medical documents could not explain the presence of the substances in her samples. In October 2024, a Notice of Charge was issued and thereupon the Athlete did not respond to the communications of the AIU.

In November 2024 the Athlete only submitted that she had nothing more to say in this matter. Furthermore she failed to sign and submit the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form within the set deadline.

Because the Athlete's failure to respond properly the AIU determined in November 2024 that the Athlete was deemed to have waived her right for a hearing and accepted the consequences. In addition the AIU determines that there are aggravating circumstances present in this case that justify the imposition of a more severe sanction.

Therefore the AIU decides on 22 November 2024, to impose a 6 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 26 September 2024.

Paris 2024 pre-games report / International Testing Agency (ITA). - Lausanne : ITA, 2024

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has published its final report on the comprehensive doping control monitoring program conducted in the lead-up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 across participating countries and sports. The report highlights a significant improvement of testing ahead of an edition of the Games for Paris 2024, with 90% of athletes tested at least once in the six months prior to the event. For the first time, the ITA’s Paris 2024 Pre-Games report transparently outlines the testing levels of all involved sports and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), as well as the challenges and limitations encountered and recommendations for future Olympic pre-Games initiatives.

The Paris 2024 pre-Games program was part of the ITA’s comprehensive anti-doping strategy for Paris 2024, which also included Games-time testing, intelligence & investigations activities as well as long-term storage and re-analysis after the event. It constituted a key phase of the clean sport efforts for the Games and aimed to ensure that all athletes could compete on a level playing field during the Olympics, no matter where they came from. During this preparatory period, it was the shared responsibility of the respective International Summer Olympic Federations (IFs, or the ITA on their behalf) and National/Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs/RADOs) to subject their athletes to a risk-proportionate testing regime before they competed in France. The ITA Paris 2024 pre-Games program provided an additional layer of independent strategic support and monitoring, to ensure athletes were tested adequately ahead of the Games.

The ITA Paris 2024 pre-Games Expert Group, consisting of international experts from three NADOs and one IF, as well as specialised in-house ITA experts, established a bespoke risk assessment for athletes likely to participate in the Games. This assessment combined a large set of data and risk factors, including testing gaps observed across sports and countries. This allowed the group to share testing recommendations with other anti-doping organisations (IFs and NADOs/RADOs) to ensure that effective testing was conducted globally through a coordinated effort. The implementation of these recommendations was continuously monitored after they were shared. Additionally, a Paris 2024 pre-Games Supervisory Panel, with the presence of anti-doping experts, athlete representatives and an observer from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), ensured the transparency of the program as well as oversight and alignment with global anti-doping standards.

This ITA Paris 2024 pre-Games report, the first of its kind, details the methodical approach, the final outcomes and conclusions of the Paris 2024 pre-Games program. It transparently showcases the testing of athletes ahead of the Games for each participating sport and NOC. The conclusions of the report also contain recommendations to ensure the further enhancement of future pre-Games initiatives.

Key outcomes of the Paris 2024 Pre-Games Program include a notable increase in testing volume and improved compliance with testing recommendations across the anti-doping community. 90% of potential Olympic athletes were tested at least once in the six months leading up to the Games, marking a significant advancement in pre-Games testing and setting a new benchmark for future events. For comparison, about 15% of the athletes competing at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were not tested in the six-month period ahead of the event. Of the Paris 2024 athletes that were not tested in that period, only one-third competed in high-risk sports. 59% of the athletes were tested by their respective NADO/RADO, 41% by their IF. Finally, the pre-Games period saw a testing uptake of 45% compared to the preceding six-month period (June-Dec 2023).

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.

Related case:

FEI 2022 FEI vs Agusti Juan Elias Lara
June 4, 2024

In September 2022 the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Spanish rider Agusti Juan Elias Lara after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Clenbuterol.

With support of expert witnesses the Athlete argued that there was cross contamination with Clenbuterol. He explained that the substance entered his system when he administered a prescribed Spasmobronchal medication to his horse.

He asserted that during administration of this medication he didn't use protective gear whereas he was not warned by his veterinarian that this medication contained Clenbuterol. Further he acknowledged that he had not checked if his supplements contained banned substances.

In view of the evidence the Panel finds that the Athlete failed to demonstrate that the violation was not intentional, nor the source of the prohibited substance. Moreover the Panel concludes that there are no grounds for a reduced sanction.

Therefore the FEI Tribunal decided on 4 June 2024 to impose a fine and a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 1 September 2022.

Hereafter in June 2024 the Athlete appealed the FEI decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Ultimately on 16 October 2024 the Court of Arbitration for Sport decides that:

1.) The appeal filed by Mr Agusti Elias Lara on 20 June 2024 against the decision rendered on 4 June 2024 by the FEI Tribunal is partially upheld.

2.) Mr. Agusti Elias Lara is declared ineligible to participate in any competition or other activity for a period of two (2) years pursuant to Article 10.6.2 of the ADRHA as from the day of notification of this Award, with credit given for the period of Provisional Suspension and of ineligibility already served.

3.) All other points of the decision rendered on 4 June 2024 by the FEI Tribunal are confirmed.

4.) The present arbitral Award is pronounced without costs, except for the Court Office fee of CHF 1,000, which is retained by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

5.) Each Party shall bear the expenses it has incurred in connection with this arbitration.

6.) All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

In January 2024 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), on behalf of World Athletics, reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Ethiopian Athlete Ebsite Tilahun Asres after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Triamcinolone acetonide.

Following notification the Athlete filed a statement in her defence. The Athlete accepted the test result and denied repeatedly in her submissions that the violation was intentional.

She explained that prior to the competition in China and prior in Ethiopia she had used medication for her Asthma and had received medical treatments. Between January and October 2024 the Athlete and the Ethiopian National Anti-Doping Office (ETH-NADO) submitted medical information to the AIU about the treatments she underwent since August 2023.

Hereafter the AIU and its experts concluded that these medical documents could not explain the positive test. Thereupon additional medical documents confirmed the use of this medication, yet could not explain the high concentration Triamcinolone acetonide in the Athlete's sample.

The AIU establishes that the Athlete's evidence was insufficient to explain the positive test, although there was no evidence that the violation was intentional. Without a conclusive response from the Athlete the AIU finally determines in October 2024 that she was deemed to have admitted the violation, waived her right for a hearing and accepted the consequences. 

Therefore the AIU decides on 8 November 2024 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 3 June 2024.

Related case:

TJD-AD 2024-002 Disciplinary Decision - Hockey
July 3, 2024

On 3 July 2024 the Brazilian Sports Justice Anti-Doping Tribunal (TJD-AD) decided to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the hockey player after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Clenbuterol.

Hereafter the Athlete appealed the Decision with the TJD-AD Appeal Panel. The Athlete requested the Panel to set aside the Appealed Decision and for the imposition of a reduced sanction.

The Rapporteur confirms that the presence of a prohibited substance had been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that he committed an anti-doping rule violation.

After assessment of the Athlete's conduct the Rapporteur deems that he acted with a high degree of negligence. Accordingly there are no mitigating circumstances for a reduced sanction in this case.

Therefore the TJD-AD Appeal Panel decides on 9 September 2024 to uphold the Appealed Decision and the sanction for the imposition of a 4 year period of ineligibility, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 16 October 2023.