The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that Graeme Thompson has received a two-year suspension as a result of an adverse analytical finding as per the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP). Thompson was a member of the 2019 World Athletics Championships team as part of the 4x400-metre relay pool but did not see any action.

The test returning an adverse analytical finding was administered July 27 during the 2019 Canadian Track and Field Championships. The adverse finding was as a result of the presence of clenbuterol and tamoxifen.

“In accordance with Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) Rule 10.2.1, the standard sanction for the presence of the above referenced substances is a four-year period of ineligibility. However, based on information provided by the athlete, the CCES determined that the violation was not intentional and therefore proposed a sanction of two years ineligibility from sport (in accordance with CADP Rule 10.2.2).”  Click to read the full CCES announcement.

Unfortunately, this case highlights the risks of purchasing seemingly legitimate supplements without professional guidance. Athletics Canada supports the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement on supplements from the 2010 Nutrition Consensus meeting:

“the use of supplements does not compensate for poor food choices and an inadequate diet. Of the many different dietary performance supplements available to athletes, a very small number may enhance performance for some athletes when used in accordance with current evidence under the guidance of a well-informed professional. Athletes contemplating the use of supplements and sports foods should consider their efficacy, their cost, the risk to health and performance, and the potential for a positive doping test.”

Athletics Canada promotes a “food first”, over supplements, philosophy regarding nutrition and encourage all athletes to undertake due diligence as to whether a supplement is even needed. If an athlete chooses to use any type of supplement they should always verify the list of ingredients, as well as use only specific batched tested NSF Certified for Sport of Informed Choice tested products. This still does not completely eliminate the potential for cross contamination. Supplements are always used at your own risk.

Athletics Canada is a strong supporter of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) as well as a supporter of the Canadian Anti Doping Program.

For more information:

Mathieu Gentès
mgentes@athletics.ca
613 868 7692