[www.inewsguyana.com] – Guyana’s ‘Golden Boy’ – Gumendra Shewdass should have declared that he was on medication before he attended the World Sub Junior Championships in the United States and should have applied for exemptions.
This is the view of Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony who spoke on the issue during a news conference on Friday, January 3.
Shewdass has been banned for two years by the International Power – lifting body for the use of a blacklisted substance.
When questioned, Dr. Anthony said that if Shewdass was using medication for an illness, then his coaches should have informed the Federation which should have then advised the tournament organizers, regional and international bodies.
Dr Anthony said that he is disappointed with the situation and indicated that more testing needs to be done on the local scene. The Sport Minister explained that while the testing is expensive, (US$600) per test, they are looking to have more done.
As it relates to the substances, the Sport Minister called on all sporting coaches to be aware of what their athletes use and what substances are banned by the World Anti – Doping Agency (WADA).
According to reports, the 53kg athlete tested positive during competition testing for Methylhexaneamine and Oxilofrine, a drug used to reduce fat and enhance energy.
According to the International Federation, the Berbician failed a test done on August 26, 2013 at the Sub Junior Power – lifting championships in the United States.
The WADA accredited laboratory in Germany, indicated that the samples tested positive for the substance.
Shewdass is banned from competing or coaching in any capacity for a period of two years and the Power – lifting Federation fined $2000 Euros as costing for the testing and all results after October 21, 2013 will be discarded.
