May 18 2009
Contaminated Supplement with Clenbuterol Ruled on Jessica Hardy Case
The positive test of American swimmer Jessica Hardy during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. was caused by a contaminated supplement. Clenbuterol, an anabolic steroid was found on her supplement causing her to test positive just before the 2008 Olympics. Although she voluntarily withdrew from the competition and subjected herself to investigation, she was still given the 2 year ban which is automatic for athletes found to be using anabolic steroid.
This month, Hardy got a positive result not on another anabolic steroid but on the status of her suspension. The AAA panel handling her case gave her a reduced suspension. Her ban was also made retroactive wherein she could compete again in August.
The American Arbitration Association ruled that Jessica Hardy’s suspension should be reduced to one year. The following are the basis of AAA panel’s decision. First, the arbitrators found that Jessica Hardy’s positive test was caused by a contaminated Advocare Arginine Extreme supplement with clenbuterol, an anabolic steroid. Second, she received personal assurances from Advocare regarding the purity of its supplements. Third, they found that under all of the circumstances, Jessica Hardy should receive the shortest possible suspension allowed under the rules
Since her sanction is more than 6 months, Hardy could be excluded from the 2012 Olympic Games. However, the panel considers reducing the penalty if the new ruling of the International Olympic Committee will be applied. The arbitrators stated that such a result would be “grossly disproportionate,” and stated that they would retain jurisdiction to reconsider the length of the penalty.
In a press release, Jessica Hardy said, “I am extremely happy that the Arbitration Panel was persuaded by my scientific proof of supplement contamination, and that they believed me when I told them that I never have and never will use performance enhancing drugs. I look forward to returning to competition as soon as possible and proving that my prior successes, including at the Olympic Trials, were achieved solely through hard work and discipline, with no shortcuts. The past year, including missing the 2008 Olympic Games, has been heartbreaking, the most difficult year of my life. It was made more tolerable by the numerous expressions of support I received from teammates, competitors, and fans all over the world, for which I will always be grateful.
“I look forward to again representing my country, and will prepare for the upcoming season with the utmost determination,” she added.
Jessica Hardy is a former 100 metres breaststroke world record-holder
Last April, Chinese swimmers were also banned from competition when they tested positive for clenbuterol. Their coaches were also given sanctions by the chinese anti-doping agency.
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