Drugs in Sport: Shot putter Edwards is banned for life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE shot putter Paul Edwards yesterday called for the drug-testing system to be overhauled after becoming the first British athlete to be banned for life for failing two drugs tests.
The 39-year-old Edwards, who launched an appeal within 15 minutes of the British Athletic Federation's announcement of his suspension, said: "I feel this is a bad day for sport and I have to warn all athletes who might be tested that they face a similar occurrence until the system is radically upgraded."
Edwards made 47 international appearances over 18 years and tested negative on nearly 50 occasions in 10 years. However, he was sent home from the Commonwealth Games in Victoria four years ago after allegedly twice taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Following his return from Victoria, Edwards was hospitalised for several days, when he was seriously ill.
The 1990 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist later claimed the test showed no traces of any drugs, but he was still banned for four years after having his appeal overruled in the High Court.
Edwards requested another drugs test himself in June last year, when his ban was coming to an end, but the BAF chairman, David Moorcroft, revealed that there was an unacceptable proportion of testosterone in it.
BAF's three-strong disciplinary panel, meeting in Birmingham, deliberated for four hours before deciding that Edwards had been unable to provide a satisfactory explanation. They rejected his insistence that the test was flawed because his urine sample was not refrigerated properly for two days.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments