ISU Statement on Meldonium

[Meoima]

http://www.isu.org/en/news-and-events/news/2016/04/statement-no-fault

On March 8, 9 and 18, 2016 the ISU confirmed that the following skaters were provisionally suspended following an Adverse Analytical Finding for Meldonium:

Ekaterina Bobrova (RUS) Figure Skating
Semen Elistratov (RUS) Short Track Speed Skating
Ekaterina Konstantinova (RUS) Short Track Speed Skating
Pavel Kulizhnikov (RUS) Speed Skating

In the case of Meldonium, the WADA recognized that there is currently a lack of clear scientific information on excretion time and considers that in certain circumstances there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete.

All mentioned above skaters credibly assured the ISU that they have discontinued the use of Meldonium prior to January 1, 2016, when the substance was included in the prohibited list. In light of the given information, the ISU has decided to lift the provisional suspension imposed on the four skaters, with immediate effect, to stay the results management process and consequently not to disqualify any results at the present stage.

In case later scientific studies should reveal that one or more listed skater took Meldonium also after December 31, 2015, the results management process would have to be resumed.

The ISU will not make any further comments until further scientific evidence is published.

 

[PRlady]

So, Bobrova is off the hook unless someone proves a negative?

GMFB.

 

[VGThuy]

I'm glad she's been validated. Despite my initial skepticism about all of the defenses proffered (a lot of it coming from the motivations of people having knee-jerk defenses), it seems like the excretion period really was something that was in question. This puts a lot of doubt into WADA's procedures. Even if they were right to put it on the banned list and did thorough research on its performance enhancing capabilities, this situation should teach them that when real athletes' livelihoods are at stake, they need to take the utmost care that they aren't needlessly suspending those who aren't at fault. It also shows why Bobrova was so confident in her defense because she most likely didn't take it after the January deadline and knew the truth was on her side. Good for her!

 

[morqet]

Oh well, as long as they all assured the ISU they didn't do anything wrong...

 

[kosjenka]

Is this a joke?

 

[Vash01]

Egg on WADA's face. They should not make decisions or recommendations without sufficient scientific data. Bobrova-Soloviev missed the worlds this year due to this. It should not be forgiven.

 

[MsZem]

Bobrova keeps her Euros medal

Is this a joke?

Not to athletes who missed out on opportunities to compete and whose reputation was damaged.

Oh well, as long as they all assured the ISU they didn't do anything wrong...

Or, you know, the fact that "WADA recognized that there is currently a lack of clear scientific information on excretion time and considers that in certain circumstances there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete". Unless an athlete has gone on record as having taken Meldonium after the deadline (e.g. Sharapova) or the testing indicates that they did, there's just not enough there to support a suspension.

Maybe next time WADA bans a substance, they should make sure the research is solid.

 

[VGThuy]

Oh well, as long as they all assured the ISU they didn't do anything wrong...

I guess they figured if the data actually as isn't conclusive as they were led to believe, why not just give the athletes the benefit of doubt. Of course one can make the argument that if there was intentional wrongdoing, then the athletes who didn't test positive will lose out, but I wonder how many of their peers see it that way and how many of them believe there was intentional wrongdoing. Not sure about the speedskaters, but I think a lot of Bobrova's fellow ice dancers are friends with her and believe her.

 

[kosjenka]

So athletes were suspended, their livelihoods put on risk and all careers on hold while bureaucracy had to decide how to deal with possible outcome of possible breaking of rules? This is like from Kafka's novel.

 

[MsZem]

So athletes were suspended, their livelihoods put on risk and all careers on hold while bureaucracy had to decide how to deal with possible outcome of possible breaking of rules? This is like from Kafka's novel.

And don't forget the part about banning it because people might have been taking it with the intention of enhancing performance, rather than because it actually enhances performance (the data is kind of murky on the latter point).

 

[ballettmaus]

I guess they figured if the data actually as isn't conclusive as they were led to believe, why not just give the athletes the benefit of doubt. Of course one can make the argument that if there was intentional wrongdoing, then the athletes who didn't test positive will lose out, but I wonder how many of their peers see it that way and how many of them believe there was intentional wrongdoing. Not sure about the speedskaters, but I think a lot of Bobrova's fellow ice dancers are friends with her and believe her.

The problem I have with the statement is that they don't mention that the amount of meldonium found was so little that it seems to be a leftover amount from when it was still legal. The way the statement is phrased suggests they have inconclusive scientific data as to how long it stays in the body and solely relied on the athletes statement and didn't back that up by science. They probably did, however, I think they should have mentioned that.

 

[mag]

I think the science is pretty clear that the 1/2 life means that anyone who tested positive at Euros actually took the drug after December 31st. Like many decisions, for example banning GMOs, I strongly suspect this back step is a political decision, not a scientific one. It isn't the first political decision in figure skating and it won't be the last. Shrug.

 

[oleada]

I think the science is pretty clear that the 1/2 life means that anyone who tested positive at Euros actually took the drug after December 31st. Like many decisions, for example banning GMOs, I strongly suspect this back step is a political decision, not a scientific one. It isn't the first political decision in figure skating and it won't be the last. Shrug.

This is beyond figure skating, however. Their is data suggesting that the time that t takes for meldonium to leave your system is much longer than previously thought and WADA had not done proper research into it. I'm at work, but there was recently a NY times article on the subject.

 

[morqet]

Or, you know, the fact that "WADA recognized that there is currently a lack of clear scientific information on excretion time and considers that in certain circumstances there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete". Unless an athlete has gone on record as having taken Meldonium after the deadline (e.g. Sharapova) or the testing indicates that they did, there's just not enough there to support a suspension.

Maybe next time WADA bans a substance, they should make sure the research is solid.

Excuse me for being cynical when one of the speed skaters let off today has already served a ban for doping. But I'm sure this time he's been completely truthful & it's all just a mistake on WADA's part. It's not like they have a history of being completely ineffective when confronted with evidence of systemic doping either.

This is the revised WADA guidance:

Preliminary results obtained from single and multiple drug applications indicate that the urinary elimination of meldonium at recommended doses includes an initial rapid excretion phase (estimated half-life 5-15 h), which is followed by a second, longer elimination phase with an estimated half-life of more than 100 h.
Based on the preliminary results of the aforementioned studies, this translates to urinary concentrations higher than 10 µg/mL up to 72 h (first elimination phase), followed by a persistent long-term excretion (second elimination phase) yielding concentrations up to approximately 2 µg/mL over the following three weeks. Long term urinary excretion below 1 µg/mL down to several hundred ng/mL can persist for a number of weeks and in the low tens of ng/mL for a few months.

I'd have more faith in the credibility of this decision if they released the results of the concentration of meldonium found in the athlete's samples. If Bobrova had stopped taking it before Dec 31st (I think she previously claimed she stopped in October), her results at the end of January still should have been a very small concentration.

 

[MsZem]

I think the science is pretty clear that the 1/2 life means that anyone who tested positive at Euros actually took the drug after December 31st. Like many decisions, for example banning GMOs, I strongly suspect this back step is a political decision, not a scientific one. It isn't the first political decision in figure skating and it won't be the last. Shrug.

The science is not at all clear. There's been a lot of reporting in recent weeks - and some acknowledgement by WADA - that traces of Meldonium may remain in the body considerably longer than was originally believed (see for instance here and here). The decision to ban a substance used primarily by Eastern European athletes may have been political; the decision not to suspend athletes without solid research to back it up is more than fair.

Also, this goes well beyond figure skating. Bobrova is one of more than 170 athletes to have tested positive for Meldonium, and the ISU is following through on WADA's recommendations, not making their own policy.

Excuse me for being cynical when one of the speed skaters let off today has already served a ban for doping. But I'm sure this time he's been completely truthful & it's all just a mistake on WADA's part. It's not like they have a history of being completely ineffective when confronted with evidence of systemic doping either.

Well, if one athlete once tested positive, clearly all the others who tested positive for a substance for which there is no clear-cut research on excretion times must also be lacking in credibility

If there were properly obtained data that Meldonium is actually performance enhancing, and that all traces of it are gone within days, what the athletes claim would have little impact. That is not the case. Even if one is adamantly opposed to doping, sometimes you have to give people the benefit of the doubt. I think it's completely unfair that athletes will remain under suspicion by many people through no fault of their own.

 

[Deleted member 40371]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/36034369

Here is Anti-doping expert commenting on meldonium leaving the body.

South African anti-doping expert Professor Ross Tucker said Wada's response "seems reactive".

He added: "Perhaps many of the things they now find themselves on the defence for should probably have been done at the time they considered its banning."

Dr Tom Bassindale, a forensic toxicologist and anti-doping scientist at Sheffield Hallam University, believes Wada may have been too hasty in banning meldonium.

"Wada did not have full information about how meldonium is processed by the body when imposing the ban," he said.

"Originally, it was suggested meldonium would be cleared from the body in a week or two but, with the ever-increasing number of positives, I did become concerned this was not the case and it could be accumulating in the body, much like cannabis does in long-term users."

these are experts who are commenting, there is reason WADA had to take a step back.

 

[ioana]

Well, if one athlete once tested positive, clearly all the others who tested positive for a substance for which there is no clear-cut research on excretion times must also be lacking in credibility

Agreed. I realize this ruling will most likely mean at least a few cheaters will get off the hook. I would rather have that happen and allow athletes who stopped taking the drug right before the deadline to compete again. If the original expected time to have this clear your system was incorrect and people based the timing of when to stop taking the drug on that, I can see why further research would be needed.

 

[overedge]

in certain circumstances there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete

Would those circumstances include and/or ?

 

[MsZem]

Bobrova posted this on her Instagram today. Obviously she is very pleased

 

[Spun Silver]

I'm happy for her and Dmitri. Wishing them strong, happy training, fun summer shows, and great programs for the new season.

 

[Tinami Amori]

And don't forget the part about banning it because people might have been taking it with the intention of enhancing performance, rather than because it actually enhances performance (the data is kind of murky on the latter point).

Exactly! if a substance is taken for reasons other than specifically "enhancing performance", to help athlete's health or injury, it is not a crime. What if a particular athlete, due to his/her physical specifics athletically benefits from eating 2 kg of peanuts and 4 cups of carrot juice? Athletes have diets, vitamins, programmes ALL designed to enhance their performance... So if something sold in stores or over the counter "benefits an athlete" should it it be banned?

It also looks funny that WADA went after a substance, legally sold over the counter, which mostly benefits "Russians".... That should be investigated!

Maybe WADA should now investigate all the legal over-the-counter substances and additives sold in USA's GNC stores, and check all the vitamins, supplements and powders....

If Bobrova AND Soloviev were both on the substance, then yes, it would look like they took it for enhancement. But Soloviev did not take it.

So athletes were suspended, their livelihoods put on risk and all careers on hold while bureaucracy had to decide how to deal with possible outcome of possible breaking of rules? This is like from Kafka's novel.

(i have a proooooblem when i hear "livelihood put on risk" next to a name of an "amateur athlete".... )

 

[Vash01]

I am happy for Bobrova and Soloviev. They can move on with their lives and careers and not look back.

ISU should allow Russia a 3rd spot at the 2017 worlds because of this fiasco, but I doubt it will happen.

 

[casken]

Wow.

It wasn't best the case sceneraio, (her being cleared and allowed to skate in worlds), but it's probably the next closest thing to it.

I'll take it.

 

[Skittl1321]

(i have a proooooblem when i hear "livelihood put on risk" next to a name of an "amateur athlete".... )

It isn't an amateur/professional status anymore, just eligible and non-eligible. The elite skaters of today are mostly professionals, who make money through competition, shows, and endorsement. In some countries, they are paid to be athletes (often through military positions).

 

[Tinami Amori]

It isn't an amateur/professional status anymore, just eligible and non-eligible. The elite skaters of today are mostly professionals, who make money through competition, shows, and endorsement. In some countries, they are paid to be athletes (often through military positions).

ah, what happened to the days when it was normal to go into practice right from your math class..... excercise for the brain first, then for the body...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iu766X4wCI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSav51fVlKU

 

[VGThuy]

Gone about 25 years ago.

 

[Skittl1321]

ah, what happened to the days when it was normal to go into practice right from your math class..... excercise for the brain first, then for the body...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iu766X4wCI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSav51fVlKU

Many athletes DO juggle school with their training. It isn't unusual to see skaters working on distance courses on laptops at the rink. Or to rush to and from school to fit training in.

 

[MsZem]

I don't think there's anything inherently superior about so-called amateur competition. Even with some compensation now available to athletes, it's still very expensive and difficult to devote one's life to sport.

Many athletes DO juggle school with their training. It isn't unusual to see skaters working on distance courses on laptops at the rink. Or to rush to and from school to fit training in.

Yes, some of them in pretty demanding programs. Off the top of my head, I believe that Takahiko Kozuka recently finished his Master's, Nathalie Pechalat pursued a graduate degree while competing, Richard Dornbush is studying physics and the Gjersems are doing law (Camilla) and engineering (Anne Line).

 

[kosjenka]

@Tinami Amori because Bobrova has an engineer degree hanging next to her skates. I wish, but I doubt it. Suspension for doping closes doors for potential shows and working as a coach. Something as an athlete Bobrova can do aside from competing.

 

[marbri]

Um, did Bobrova NOT already say that the concentration found in her sample was so high that she knows it was the shot she got the day before the FD at Euros and then threw some shade at Mozer's group? I think she got lucky here when the decision was made to cancel the suspensions of those with lower concentrations (the reasoning being that maybe it took longer to leave the body).