2016 Olympic Champion Given 16-Month Doping Ban
2016 Olympic pole vault champion, Thiago Braz, has been banned from competing for 16 months following a doping violation. According to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), Braz tested positive for ostarine glucuronide, a substance that enhances muscle growth, following a test in July last year. This suspension, backdated to his provisional ban in July, means he will miss the Paris Olympics and can't compete until November 27.
Braz, who also won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, claimed he unknowingly consumed the substance through sports supplements provided by his nutritionist that he had been told did not contain any banned substances. Despite being warned about the risks of supplements from compound pharmacies in Brazil, the disciplinary tribunal found he was not at “significant fault or negligence” because he relied on his medical team’s advice.
The AIU initially sought a four-year ban, arguing that Braz was "reckless" and acted with "indirect intent." However, the tribunal ruled a 16-month ban was more appropriate, stating that Braz should have been more cautious and verified the supplements himself. Braz has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
AIU Head Brett Clothier expressed disappointment in having to deal with a case of this nature after Brazilian athletes were educated about the risk of using supplements from Brazilian compound pharmacies. The AIU may still appeal for a longer ban, with the unit maintaining their stance on the severity of Braz's negligence.
Braz’s ban is a significant blow to his career, overshadowing his previous achievements, including setting an Olympic record in Rio. The case highlights ongoing issues in sports with supplement contamination and athlete responsibility.
