Another doping scandal hits BAA
ATHLETICS
Local athlete Isaac Modiri Seoke (800m) was recently slapped with a four-year ban from all athletics competitions. Seoke was banned by the Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) after a failed doping test following an event organised by the Botswana Athletics Association in Francistown earlier this year.
In a statement released by the RADO (Africa Zone VI), a urine sample was collected from Seoke during the doping control test. According to the statement signed by RADO chairman, Dr Nicholas Munyonga, Seoke’s urine sample was sent to the University of Gent laboratory in Belgium for analysis. “The laboratory analysis established the presence of Clenbuterol in the athlete’s sample. Clenbuterol is a banned substance on the WADA 208 prohibited list.”
Through the statement, Dr Munyonga said the presence of this substance in the athlete meant he had violated an Anti-Doping Rule, Article 2.1 of the World Anti-Doping code. “The matter was subsequently refereed to the Africa Zone VI RADO Disciplinary Panel who summoned the athlete to a hearing. There were two hearing sessions for the matter on 18th June 2018 and 13th July 2018.”
Dr Munyonga further explains that the RADO Disciplinary Panel deliberated on the matter and arrived at the reasoned decision to impose a period of ineligibility on Seoke for four years. The period of ineligibility imposed on Seoke from all organised athletics competitions under the auspices of the BAA, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Seoke’s ban from international athletics started on 19th February 2018 and it is expected to expire at midnight on 18th February 2022
This week BAA spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said although he is aware of the matter, they are yet to receive correspondence from RADO. “Seoke is a talented athlete who once gave Nijel Amos a run for his money prior to the 2012 London Olympic games,” Ramatshaba said. The BAA mouthpiece could not confirm the club Seoke currently represents.
Ramatshaba said athletes are exposed to substances that are contained in energy drinks that have been flooding the market. Most of the athletes who fail doping tests usually blame a drink they have consumed. Ramatshaba said they often discourage athletes from consuming energy giving drinks. Ramatshaba said they will make a follow up and establish whether the athlete has been officially banned.
“If this is the case he will not be allowed near BAA offices and activities.”
Botswana’s doping cases include that of former 400m World champion and current Commonwealth Games champion, Amantle Montsho who underwent a two-year ban.t
