Steroid sting hits ‘clean’ image

DRUG Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) chief executive Nick Paterson says the country’s ‘clean’ sporting image has been brought into question but is confident the policing of doping has improved.

Paterson’s comments come after up to 100 New Zealand athletes were found to be suspected of doping following an investigation into illegal steroids.

The New Zealand anti-doping watchdog has initiated proceedings before both the Sports Tribunal and Rugby Judicial Committee after finding evidence suggesting athletes have been purchasing, possessing and/ or using prohibited substances online.

Website operator Josh Townshend was jailed earlier this year for two years for advertising, possessing and supplying prescription medicines.

Two banned substances in sport have been identified, mainly the fat-burning steroid clenbuterol.

The case features a range of sports, from weekend club players and upwards. Although no All Blacks or Olympians are reportedly involved and it is understood that many are below the elite level.

It still has the potential to hurt New Zealand’s sporting reputation and Paterson says the country cannot shy away from the problem.

‘‘Questions will be asked domestically and internationally what this means for us [but] it’s difficult to stay how big or small a problem this is,’’ Paterson told Stuff.

‘‘New Zealanders don’t like drug cheats, it’s as simple as that. Our agency works closely with Medsafe, customs and police and those close relationships means we have access to information which leads to this sort of thing. So the policing of this is getting better.’’

The offending captures a period between late 2014 and early 2015 and anyone found guilty of doping faces a wide range of sanctions, which can be backdated.

Paterson would not comment on specific cases but said it includes a range of athletes that they would not usually work with.

While DFSNZ seeks to provide athletes with a comprehensive understanding of the anti-doping rules, they mainly deal with those at the elite end.

However, Paterson said that for the most part, a lack of education or awareness of a particular banned substance was no excuse.

The proceedings stemming from this investigation have started and will be heard individually. The hearings are expected to continue well into 2018.