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Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announced that Canadian athlete Brent Poulsen, residing in Fort Worth tested positive for a prohibited substance and has accepted a suspension for a doping offense.

Poulsen was tested by WTC at the Affresh Ironman 70.3 Muncie on July 9, 2011. The sample resulted in an Adverse Analytical Finding for testosterone and/or its precursors, which are prohibited in the class of Anabolic Agents on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List that has been adopted by the World Triathlon Corporation Anti-Doping Rules (“WTC Rules”).

Poulsen accepted a two-year period of ineligibility; beginning on July 9, 2011, the date the sample was collected. As a result of the doping violation, Poulsen has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved at and subsequent to July 9, 2011, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

“First and foremost, I want to apologize to my sponsors, fellow athletes, family and friends,” said Poulsen. “My positive test was caused by my use of a prescribed treatment. I had contacted anti-doping authorities, including WTC and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (“CCES”), to inquire regarding a possible Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”), but regret that I failed to see that process through and heed their warnings before continuing to compete without an approved TUE.”

“As athletes we are 100% responsible for what we put in our bodies and the resulting consequences for our actions,” continued Poulsen. “I hope my fellow competitors will consider my situation and recognize the importance of being accountable to the Anti-Doping Rules.”

“This case illustrates the importance of athletes taking responsibility for the rules established to protect the integrity of competition,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of WTC. “WTC will continue to work with our athletes and race organizers to ensure the fundamental values of fair play and healthy living are preserved.”

Learn more at Ironmanpromembership.com.

See the complete press release below:

Today, the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announced the imposition of an anti-doping sanction following the decision of an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association/North American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS).   The AAA decision follows a hearing requested by triathlete, Timothy Marr, after the implementation of the required provisional suspension by the WTC finding that Marr had committed an anti-doping rule violation and would be subject to a two-year period of ineligibility and the disqualification of competitive results.

Marr, of Honolulu, Hawaii, provided his sample at the 2010 Ironman 70.3 Vineman, which took place on July 18.  The sample resulted in an adverse analytical finding for Amphetamine, which is in the class of stimulants prohibited in-competition on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List and by the World Triathlon Corporation Anti-Doping Rules (“WTC Rules”).

Marr exercised his right to a hearing to challenge the sanction required under the WTC Anti-Doping Rules given his claims that he had inadvertently consumed the prescription amphetamine, Adderall. The hearing was held before the AAA pursuant to the Association’s Supplementary Procedures for the Arbitration of Anti-Doping Rule Violations to ensure an independent review and decision of the facts surrounding this case.

The AAA Award confirmed Marr’s anti-doping rule violation while shortening his period of ineligibility from 24 months to a period running from August 13, 2010, the date the WTC imposed a provisional suspension, to the date of the Award, February 22, 2011. As a direct consequence, all of Marr’s results and prizes from the 2010 Ironman 70.3 Vineman are forfeited. Based on the AAA decision, Marr has now regained his eligibility.

In the AAA Award the arbitrator concluded, “the circumstances regarding the consumption of the Adderall were extremely unusual and fall under the category of exceptional,” and that the facts of the case “establish that Marr’s negligence was not significant.” Further the Arbitrator concluded that substance was “not taken with an intent to enhance sport performance.” Based on these findings, the arbitrator reduced Marr’s period of ineligibility while still finding that Marr was guilty of a doping violation under the WTC’s Anti-Doping Policy.

“This case illustrates the consequences of athletes failing to take every precaution to avoid any situation that may result in the ingestion of a prohibited substance,” said Kate Mittelstadt, director of anti-doping for WTC. “WTC will continue to work with athletes and race organizers to preserve the integrity of Ironman competition through anti-doping efforts and education.”

“The launch of the Ironman Pro Membership Program on the heels of WTC’s Anti-Doping initiative is another significant step toward the standardization of Ironman events around the globe.  This program addresses many of the issues facing pro athletes, such as prize money, qualifying slots and size and quality of the field. The ongoing input and support from race directors is a testament to the importance of further establishing consistency in these areas,” says Heather Fuhr, WTC Pro Liaison and 15-time Ironman Champion.
An annual membership fee of $750.00 USD includes complimentary entry into all Ironman and 70.3 qualifying events worldwide within the calendar year and inclusion in WTC’s Anti-Doping initiative.  Online registration for the Ironman Pro Membership Program will begin on November 9, 2009 through Active.com.

Ford Ironman World Champions, Craig Alexander and Michellie Jones, both had comments about the announcement:

·         “The new program created by WTC provides professional athletes with a platform, as well as a variety of advantages that not only benefit us, but also the sport as a whole.  I am excited for the new initiatives being driven by Ironman, as they will ensure we are all participating among a clean and level playing field.” — Michellie Jones

·         “The Ironman Pro Membership Program is good for the athletes and good for our sport. The implementation of its Anti-Doping initiative is long overdue and hopefully will ensure a fairer sport.” — Craig Alexander

Further program details and deadlines for event-related registration can be located by visiting Ironmancenter.com/pros.

Provided by Ironman.com