Sport Integrity Australia confirms the results of the Athlete's Part B Sample analysis has been reported, from a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory.
The results of the Part A Sample analysis for the Athlete was an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) (positive doping test) for Erythropoietin Receptor Agonists (ERA):rEPO (recombinant EPO, or rEPO). The results of the Part B Sample analysis is an Atypical Finding (ATF) for recombinant EPO.
The relevant rules require a WADA-accredited laboratory to obtain a second opinion from an expert on the WADA EPO Working Group before any AAF or ATF for Erythropoietin Receptor Agonists (such as recombinant EPO) can be reported.
An ATF is not the same as a negative test result. An ATF is a report from a WADA-accredited laboratory which requires further investigation as provided by the World Anti-Doping Code - International Standard for Laboratories 2021 or related Technical Documents.
Recombinant EPO is listed under class S2.1.1 'Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics - Erythropoietins (EPO) and agents affecting erythropoiesis - Erythropoietin receptor agonists', is classified as a Non-Specified Substance under the World Anti-Doping Code - International Standard - Prohibited List - 2022 and is prohibited at all times.
Recombinant EPO is a synthetic substance and is not produced naturally by the human body.
Pursuant to the relevant provisions in the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy 2021 and World Anti-Doping Code 2021, the Mandatory Provisional Suspension which was imposed on the Athlete following the AAF from the Part A Sample on 10 January 2023 is lifted.
The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Sport Integrity Australia will, as part of its investigation, proceed to consider whether any anti-doping rule violation/s have been committed. It is not possible to provide a timeframe at this point.
Any decision made by Sport Integrity Australia is subject to appeal from the Athletics Integrity Unit and WADA in accordance with Australian National Anti-Doping Policy 2021 and World Anti-Doping Code 2021.
Sport Integrity Australia is not currently in a position to comment further on the matter.
