Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk temporarily suspended from competitions due to a positive doping test: what is known and what are the consequences
15 May 20:33
Famous Ukrainian track and field athlete Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk has been temporarily suspended from competitions due to a positive doping test result. This was reported on May 14 by the Independent Anti-Doping Organization in Athletics (AIU), "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The athlete’s doping test revealed testosterone, a banned substance included in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances both in and out of competition. The AIU has announced a temporary suspension, but the duration of the sanction is not yet specified.
According to the anti-doping rules, Bekh-Romanchuk violated Articles 2.1 and 2.2: the presence of a prohibited substance in the body, as well as the fact of its use or attempted use.
For violating these articles, the athlete may face different periods of disqualification:
- 4 years – if the intentional use of doping is proven;
- 2 years – if the athlete proves that the substance entered the body by accident;
- 1-2 years if it is established that the testosterone was ingested through contaminated food.
At the same time, the penalty may be canceled if it can be proven that the athlete was not guilty or negligent, for example, due to improper treatment or medical error.
An investigation is currently underway, and Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk’s case will be considered at a hearing. The athlete also has the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
The Athletics Federation of Ukraine emphasized that this is not a case of final disqualification: all conclusions will be made only after the official investigation is completed.
