British bobsleigher positive for banned substance

A British bobsleigh competitor has tested positive for a banned substance, it was announced Wednesday. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) informed the athlete on February 28 and imposed a provisional suspension, pending a hearing. However, the athlete will not be named by authorities until their case is assessed fully and a verdict delivered. If found guilty, the competitor is likely to receive a two-year ban which would see them barred from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. "This gives a very clear message to athletes that you will be regularly tested to ensure a clean and fair sport," GB Bobsleigh performance director Gary Anderson told the BBC on Wednesday. "The athlete now has the opportunity to respond to the charge, including the right to a full hearing and testing of their B sample," Anderson added. "British Bobsleigh will not be making any further comment on the issue until after the full process of investigation has been completed." Under the current British Olympic Association (BOA) doping by-law, a guilty verdict would also make any athlete ineligible to represent Team GB at any Olympics Games. However, this stance is currently being challenged by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), with the Court of Arbitration for Sport set to deliver its ruling next week. WADA insist the by-law is "non-compliant" with their global charter on anti-doping, which states an athlete found guilty of taking a prohibited substance should be given a two-year ban, and amounts to an extra punishment.