Eat, drink and apply - but be cautious, athletes told

KUALA LUMPUR: The national women athletes have been asked to watch what they eat, drink and apply ahead of the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year.

This is the message from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar after announcing yesterday that the SEA Games Federation (SGF) had stripped the medals of three women athletes at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August for failing doping tests.

They are Malaysia’s Wendy Ng Yan Yee (diving), Thailand’s Benjaporn Sriphanomthorn ( swimming) and Nurisan Loseng (pencak silat).

All of them were found with banned substance sibutramine – an appetite suppressant commonly used for slimming purposes.

Wendy had to give up two gold medals she won in the women’s 3m springboard individual and 3m springboard synchro with Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

Sriphanomthorn lost two silvers in the 10km open water and 4x200m freestyle relay while Nurisan forfeited her gold in the regu event.

Tunku Imran warned the women athletes to stay away from banned slimming products.

“It’s alarming that those who failed the doping tests were women taking the same banned substance,” said Tunku Imran.

“I hope our women will be more vigilant. They should know what they are drinking or eating. They must also be mindful of things that they apply externally.

“There are consequences for ignorance. I hope our athletes will be conscious about all these things.

“It’s our hope that none of our athletes – men or women – will succumb to doping offence at major Games next year.”

The Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15 while the Asian Games will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia from Aug 18-Sept 2.