Australian equestrian rider Jamie Kermond has tested positive for cocaine and been suspended from the Tokyo Olympics.
The showjumper tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine in a test on June 26, Equestrian Australia says.
Kermond’s positive A sample came from a test conducted by Sport Integrity Australia.
Cocaine is prohibited under Australian and world anti-doping laws.
“Kermond is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant event, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, while the provisional suspension is in place,” an Equestrian Australia (EA) statement on Wednesday read.
Under Australia’s anti-doping policy, Kermond can have his B sample now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.
The 36-year-old from Victoria was to have been making his Olympic debut in Tokyo.
Kermond was selected as one of three showjumpers on a nine-strong Australian equestrian team at the Games.
“Equestrian Australia has spoken with Mr Kermond and support services will be offered to him,” EA said.
Kermond, who won Australia’s national showjumping championships in 2016, competes on the lucrative European circuit.
His suspension is a blow to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) just two days out from the opening ceremony.
The AOC was told of Kermond’s suspension by Sport Integrity Australia, a newly-named body which has taken over anti-doping from ASADA.
“The Australian Olympic team selection committee will consider the matter later today,” an AOC statement read
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
I would like to explore this statement again: "Cocaine is prohibited under Australian and world anti-doping laws. " That is partially correct. Cocaine is an in-competition prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code. In other words, outside of competition, athletes are free to take any recreational drug they want and as much as they want. Now, what is the definition of "in-competition"? Well, I thought it meant on the actual day of competition, I didn't think it meant being in camp. According to The Guardian, and I heard this on the ABC this morning: "Australia’s chef de mission at the 2020 Games, Ian Chesterman, confirmed on Wednesday that Kermond’s membership of the team had been terminated after he had brought the sport into disrepute. " So for the sake of accurate reporting, it would be just swell if someone...anyone...was able to report the precise nature of the breach, whether it was a WADA breach or not (I suspect it wasn't), and the grounds upon which he has been sent home, i.e. anything more than just bringing the sport into disrepute?
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
This article in Cycling Weekly appears to make it pretty clear that cocaine is only prohibited in-competition, but it goes on to say that if you get a reading on the day of competition you can be suspended even if you took it out of competition. That makes sense, but it doesn't really explain what the issue is in this particular case. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/doping-bans-cocaine-cannabis-will-heavily-cut-442304
djdart
Roar Rookie
Gold medal for stupidity for you mate !
jameswm
Roar Guru
The Aust Olympic team, or parts of, have been taxpayer funded forever. Gravy train - do you have any concept of how hard most of these people train, usually for little to no reward at all? And how do you know in advance who will medal and decide where to spend your money? If we use Govt money to send them to the Olympics - I'm more than happy with that.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Some - like marijuana
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Have they tested the horse yet...??? https://i.makeagif.com/media/1-04-2018/JmyHoa.mp4
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
"Cocaine is prohibited under Australian and world anti-doping laws. " I thought recreational drugs were only prohibited on days of competition.
Devil's advocate
Guest
An interesting comment from - judging by your name - a GWS supporter? Considering the millions funnelled into your team, who are now going backwards, have no chance for a premiership, and are definite "hangers on" the gravy train, surely you'd look inwards before spouting off like that?
GWSingapore
Roar Rookie
The Australian Olympic team has become a tax payer funded "industry." Too many team members, the great majority of whom have no chance of a medal, and too many "hangers on" on the gravy train.
Marty
Roar Rookie
I look forward to the AOC presenting him with an invoice for the thousands of $$$ the tax payer has no doubt shelled out to get him there, as well as all the training.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
CB, yeah a bit rough. The horse's tests came back clean, only metabolites of carrots, not on the banned list.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I presume that the horse misses out on competing as well now. It’ll be disappointed on it’s choice of rider
JGK
Roar Guru
Geez that's clumsy. Cocaine is usually the easiest to avoid detection on, hence its popularity.