Masters Athletes and drug testing

dna_leri

Over the last few days, some other websites have given coverage to an Irish Masters athlete who will have some of her medals won at the World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships in Canada this year taken back for failing a drugs test. Apparently she admits to taking a common across-the-counter decongestant product which contained ephedrine.

See original stories on breakingnews.ie and masterstrack.com
also commentary and her reply on: http://masterstrack.com/2010/05/12295/

Personally I feel very sorry for the athlete, who although they are competing at a world level, are not very different from you or I.

Although ignorance is no defence in these circumstances, it is a believeable mistake. But if you ever had any thoughts of competing at international masters level, be aware of the regulations and check the wada prohibited list first.


PS - I checked with mods before bringing up this subject as I know how touchy it can be.

McConkey

Didn't hear about this until I read your post. Tough luck for the athlete alright but I suppose the rules are laid out for all to see.

It's a shame for her, she sounds genuine but she should know better I suppose. You just can't take any risks when competing at this kind of level.

robinph

Sounds like a similar case to the Vicks that caught out Alain Baxter in the Winter Olympics a few years ago loosing him a Silver medal. Same product over this side of the Atlantic doesn't have the same recipe as the North American version.

thirtyfoot

When I heard this first I nearly choked on my Active 55 capsule and had to be picked up off the floor as the thought of a masters athlete in Ireland failing a test is hilarious.

On a personal level its terrible for her and you can very easily take something OTC that is banned. I had a sore throat a few weeks back and got a spray and tablets from the chemist as it was killing me. I took a tablet on the way to work and then checked Eirpharm when I got to work and realised its illegal in competition. I threw them out. They are a very common brand and while I usually check I presumed this brand was ok. The awareness of whats legal and whats not in many athletes is very poor.

The Eirpharm site is good for anyone interested in checking their OTC or even prescription.

robinph

That is a cool site.

I'm kind of disapointed that I'm only on two banned drugs at the moment, plus one that I think might have been some kind of restricted list.

TheRoadRunner

hmmmmmmm, the thought of a ban amuses me. Normally when an athlete gets a 4 year ban it has a serious impact on their career. If this lady is unlucky enough to get such a stern ban (I don't think she will though) her career won't be too badly affected as she'll regain her eligibility if the W45 category.

Hard Worker

Just on a point of information for people:
The International Secretary of the Irish Master Athletes Association, always advises master athletes in writing before they travel to competitions abroad, of the doping regulations and what you should do if you have taken medication, either prescribed by a doctor or not.
The athlete in this case has been to many masters competitions.

ultraman1

robinph wrote: »

I'm only on two banned drugs at the moment, .

there goes ur kildare prize......see in dunboyne?(sorri off topic)