Doping case of Mr. Mikkel Branth

1. During the random control at the AIDA Pool World Championship (Belgrade, 2018), a urine sample has been taken from Mr. Mikkel Branth. Sample has been taken according to AIDA Rules. Official doping kit was unsealed in presence of the athlete. Biologic fluid inside the bottles belongs to the athlete. No signs of intentional or non-intentional contamination of the sample observed. In the competition doping form no comments on any procedure rule violation were described.

2. Samples were sent t to UCLA Olympic Lab in Los Angeles, CA, the U.S. (official WADA lab). The report from the UCLA lab has been obtained on July 24, 2018. Prohibited substances (GW1516 sulfoxide and GW1516 sulfone - also known as Endurobol) was reported found in a sample A (no. 4300995).

3. The results of sample A analysis and possible course of actions (incl. athlete’s rights to test sample B) were communicated to the athlete by AIDA International on July 30, 2018, with follow up clarifications (late July – early August) with regards to laboratory, and that all costs relevant to sample B testing should be covered by the athlete.

4. The athlete denied the possibility for testing of sample B.

5. Therefore, the fact that the athlete (intentionally or not) consumed the substance prohibited by WADA/ AIDA International, is not questioned.

6. AIDA Board and AIDA Disciplinary Committee made the final decision on the suspension of the athlete for 2 years. The suspension starts from the day of July 24, 2018 (report obtained) and expire July 24, 2020.

7. The 2 year ban imposed is the minimum sanction for these substances (GW1516 - https://www.usada.org/testing/results/sanctions/) opposed to 3-4 years  as this violation is a first offense for the athlete and there is no evidence of intentional doping.