ASADA backs testing procedure in Peris case

AUSTRALIAN sprinter Jessica Peris could be banned for up to four years after testing positive to three banned metabolites.

Australian Sports AntiDoping Authority boss David Sharpe said yesterday he was confident the correct procedures had been followed when Peris failed a doping test last October.

Peris insisted she was innocent, claimed the testing had been botched because a blood sample provided by her on the same day produced a negative result.

She also slammed ASADA for taking three months to inform her of the positive result.

The 27-year-old could be banned from competition for a maximum four years if testing of her B sample also comes up positive.

The positive test for three prohibited metabolites triggered a mandatory provisional suspension which ruled Peris out of the recent Commonwealth Games trials on the Gold Coast.

“Due to the nature of the prohibited metabolites detected in the initial urine screen, an additional scientific analysis was required before the positive test could be declared and the athlete notified,” ASADA said in a statement.

“No prohibited substances were detected in the blood samples.

“Blood and urine screens are used to detect different substances and substances clear from urine and blood at different rates.”

Sharpe said he was confident in the testing process and commended AA for its full cooperation.

“Our testing program is rigorous and professional and is designed to detect doping, with the ultimate aim of protecting the right of clean athletes to fair competition,” he said.

Peris had enjoyed a careerbest summer season.

OUR TESTING PROGRAM IS RIGOROUS AND PROFESSIONAL