The World Anti-Doping Agency has weighed in on the differing cases of Laura Barquero and Jannik Sinner, who both tested positive for Clostebol. Although the substance was the same in both instances, and the pollution was deemed accidental, with neither athlete gaining improved sports performance, the outcomes were vastly different. Barquero received a six-year sanction, while Sinner was handed a mere three months, following an initial acquittal by tennis authorities and a subsequent appeal to the Court of Sports Arbitration.
Key Differences in the Cases
The Agency pointed out in a media release that the two cases are, in reality, “very different.” The primary distinction lies in the fact that Barquero’s account of how the substance entered her system was not convincing in light of the evidence. In contrast, the evidence in Sinner’s case backed up the athlete’s explanation, as outlined in the initial decision. This discrepancy led to the Agency not accepting Barquero’s version of events.
Sanction and Due Process
The statement also touches on the fact that Barquero’s sanction, which stemmed from this positive test and another in similar circumstances, was determined following an agreement between the athlete and relevant authorities. It’s worth noting that Barquero was not obligated to sign the case resolution agreement and was free to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if she disagreed with the proposed sanction. However, this procedure comes with a hefty price tag, running into thousands of euros. World Tennis number one, Iga Swiatek, who was acquitted of a process due to a positive test, highlighted that such costs are not feasible for athletes with limited resources.
