Diver may get two-year suspension if Sample B is positive - Adamas

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sample B of a female diving gold medallist whose Sample A had tested positive for a banned substance during a dope test conducted during the 29th SEA Games will be opened tomorrow.
Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) honorary secretary Mae Chan when contacted by Bernama however, said the association was uncertain when the result of the test would be made known to them.
If the Sample B is also positive, the athlete faces a two-year suspension, down from the four year-ban expected earlier, as the prohibited substance used, sibutramine, has been categorised as a non-serious substance by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
The diver may lodge an appeal to further reduce the ban, however she would have to show proof on how the substance ended up in her body.
In the meantime, Mae Chan explained that if the athlete was found guilty and wished to appeal, ASUM would discuss and consider the seriousness of using prohibited substance.
"We will sit down again and see whether it is a serious substance or not. If the athlete would like to appeal, it should be made to the International Swimming Federation (FINA)," she said.
According to her, ASUM will only reveal the identity of the athlete after the Sample B test results are received.
Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency deputy director (Adamas) Nishel Kumar in a press statement today said the athlete would only be suspended for two years, as the substance sibutramine was classified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under the S6 category – as a non-serious offence – effective January. — Bernama