Athletics
Wilson gets four-year ban
2012-01-20 13:30
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London - British sprinter Bernice Wilson will be banned for four years after losing an appeal against the punishment, which was handed out after she tested positive for two anabolic steroids.
Wilson, 27, made her international debut at the European indoor championships in Paris in March, but her sudden rise came to an end when she tested positive for testosterone and clenbuterol, on June 12.
An independent National Anti-Doping Panel opted for a four-year ban which Wilson appealed against, and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed on Friday that she had lost her appeal.
UKAD chief executive Andy Parkinson said: "We have successfully argued for a four-year ban which demonstrates that UK Anti-Doping always seeks robust sanctions against athletes who look to cheat the system and betray those around them.
"This sends a strong message to anyone looking to dope in the UK and gives clean athletes the confidence that we are working hard on their behalf, within the framework of the World Anti-Doping Code, to protect their right to compete in doping-free sport."
Wilson's test was conducted after she ran a time of 11.95 seconds for the 100m at the Bedford International Games in June.
She had set new personal best times in the 60m and 100m this year, running 7.25 seconds for the 60m at the European Indoor Trials in Sheffield in February, and 11.57 seconds for the 100m at the Inter Counties Championships in Bedford in May.
A first doping offence normally carries a two-year suspension but it can be increased to four years in some circumstances, including if an athlete tests positive for more than one banned substance.
The National Anti-Doping Panel criticised Wilson, saying that: "far from admitting her guilt she sought to blame other people".