Warning Issued To Boxer For Presence Of Banned Substance

Warning Issued to Boxer for Presence Of Banned Substance


The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) today acknowledged the decision by Boxing Australia Incorporated (BAI) to issue a public warning and disqualification to South Australian boxer Anthony Kolizos for the presence of a prohibited substance.

Mr Kolizos tested positive to the presence of Budesonide in an in-competition sample collected by ASADA at the 2007 Australian Boxing Championships held at the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane on 7 December 2007.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists Budesonide - a Glucocorticosteroid - as a specified substance.

If an athlete can demonstrate that the specified substance was not taken to enhance performance, a sanction ranging from a warning through to a one year suspension can be imposed.

BAI was satisfied that Mr Kolizos was using the substance for legitimate medical reasons and not attempting to enhance performance. As such a warning and automatic disqualification from the event in question was considered an appropriate sanction by BAI.

This case is a further reminder to athletes to be mindful of the status of their medications under the WADA Code and to always get their doctor to check whether a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is required.

To assist athletes, ASADA distributes Pure Performance information cards (downloadable at http://www.asada.gov.au/resources/publications/index.htm) which list all the prohibited substances under the Code plus instructions on obtaining TUE's.

ASADA has distributed over 4000 of these information cards to athletes and their support personnel so far in 2008.

ASADA advises athletes to show their doctor or pharmacist the Pure Performance information card prior to receiving any medications.

Any athlete unaware of their responsibilities is also advised to seek additional information at www.asada.gov.au or to call the ASADA Athlete Hotline on 1800 020 506 for more information.


SOURCE: The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA)


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