The International Agency for Tennis Integrity (ITIA) confirmed today that South African wheelchair tennis player Mariska Venter has been suspended for 12 months for violating the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP).
The career-high 27 in the ITF singles rankings, Venter was tested at an event in Belgium in 2022. Subsequent analysis of the sample found the presence of sibutramine metabolites. Sibutramine is a stimulant always prohibited under Section S6 (Stimulants) of the 2022 WADA Prohibited List. Sibutramine is a Specified Substance.
On December 8, 2022, ITIA sent the player an official accusation alleging that the player violated TADP Articles 2.1 and/or 2.2. The actor agreed to a voluntary temporary suspension on December 13, 2022.
The actor stated that the finding was due to the contaminated supplements they were taking. ITIA acknowledged that while the player should take responsibility for the violation, it “was not” a player’s fault or negligence.importantSince the banned substance comes from a contaminated product and the banned substance is not described on the product label and is not disclosed in the information available in a reasonable internet search. There was therefore sufficient discretion to reduce the usual two-year ban imposed under Article 10.6 of TADP to 12 months.
In accordance with TADP Article 10.13.2, the Player has the right to receive credit for the temporary suspension that has been executed to date. Therefore, Venter’s 12-month ban began on December 14, 2022 and will expire at midnight on December 13, 2023.
ITIA is the authorized third party under the World Anti-Doping Code of the International Tennis Federation, the international governing body of the sport of tennis and a signatory to the Code. ITIA is responsible for the management and administration of anti-doping throughout professional tennis in accordance with the TADP.
ends
Wednesday, 05 July 2023