Briton bobsleigher Simon Carty given drugs ban

Published on 19/09/2012 03:21

British bobsleigher Simon Carty has been suspended for two years after failing a doping test.

Carty tested positive for clenbuterol following an out-of-competition test on 28 February and was provisionally suspended from 4 April, 2012. His ban runs until 3 April, 2014.

UK Anti-Doping chief executive Andy Parkinson said: “UK Anti-Doping operates a robust, intelligence led, testing programme 365 days a year. Athletes can be tested anywhere, whether in or out-of-competition, and must exercise extreme caution over what they put into their body.”

Carty, 23, will miss the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi as a result of his ban. British Bobsleigh responded to news of Carty’s ban by saying in a statement: “British Bobsleigh will abide by the decision of UKAD and enforce the two-year ban from competition.”

Performance director Gary Anderson added: “This gives a very clear message to athletes that you will be regularly tested to ensure a clean and fair sport.”

Asked whether anyone with a doping offence in their past could be selected, Anderson said: “There are the rules. If they have served their ban and, they abide by the sports requirements and meet the relevant selection criteria, then they can be considered.”