Fraser could know her fate by weekend

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association's (JAAA) hearing into the positive test returned by reigning World and Olympic 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser is expected to be held before the end of the week.

According to Dr Warren Blake, second vice-president of the JAAA, and head of the association's medical and doping committee, the hearing, which will be chaired by former Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe, could be held either Thursday or Friday.

Other members of the JAAA's disciplinary panel are former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Winston Spaulding, and consultant psychiatrist, Dr Aggrey Irons.

"We don't have a set date for the hearing as yet, but we are hoping that by tomorrow or Friday we will be able to provide more information," Blake told The Gleaner yesterday.

"The main sticking point is scheduling, but it should not be long before the panel convenes as we are trying to expedite the matter," he added.

Fraser, who has been provisionally suspended by the IAAF pending a JAAA hearing, tested positive for a prohibitive substance at an IAAF Diamond League meet in Shanghai, China, in May.

It is reported that Fraser took Oxycodone, a painkiller, prior to competing at the meet, but failed to declare it on the meet's drug declaration form.

According to Fraser's MVP Club, the athlete did a dental procedure before flying to Shanghai and had sought help before the race from medical and meet officials, for resulting pain.

When their medication did not ease the hurt, she had thought of withdrawing from the Shanghai race but took a painkiller which eased the discomfort.

Fraser could be banned for up to two years for the offence. The minimum sanction is a public warning.