Barbadian weightlifter Zagora Callender has a new weight on her shoulders.
The 17-year-old is facing a possible four-year ban from the sport, for using an anabolic steroid she claims was prescribed by her physician.
Chairman of the National Anti-Doping Commission Dr Adrian Lorde revealed the gravity of the situation yesterday, following the International Weightlifting Federation’s report that Callender had violated Article 2.2 of the IWF Anti-Doping Policy.
The substance has been identified as Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency since it is said to have a connection with performance enhancement.
“According to the World Anti-doping Code, it’s normally four years for a specified substance like [DHEA] because it is an anabolic steroid, but it could be reduced if it is no significant fault of the athlete. It brings more awareness of the process and procedure as it relates to the area of anti-doping,” Lorde told NATION SPORT.
Attorney-at-law Nicholas Jackman, who is acting on behalf of the Barbados Amateur Weightlifting Association (BAWA) and Callender, pointed out in a media release yesterday that they were standing by Callender and will be contesting any ban, since she has not actually failed a drug test.
