Athletes need to know more about their sport - Dr Elliott

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Many track and field enthusiasts are still in shock following Thursday's news that Olympic and World 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser had tested positive for a prohibitive substance following a drug test taken in mid-May.

Most people are now trying to figure out who should accept the bulk of the blame for her taking the substance, in the first place.

According to Dr Herbert Elliott, who is a member of the IAAF and Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) medical commissions, Fraser's MVP Track Club should shoulder some of the blame.

"They don't educate their athletes. I don't want to say anything against MVP, but I found that to be the case," said Dr Elliott. "They are bringing up a bunch of athletes who are great, but they don't educate them in the sport," he added.

Painkiller

Fraser's failed test came after she had competed in an IAAF Diamond League meet in Shanghai, China, on May 23. The flagged drug, oxycodone, was reportedly in a painkiller given to her after medication which was administered by the meet organisers, for a toothache, failed to relieve the extreme pain she complained of.

Dr Elliott pointed out that oxycodone is not a performance-enhancing drug but is on the prohibited list for the athletes' own safety.

"It doesn't help you to run fast. If you have a toothache it will kill the pain but ... you can't run as fast," said Elliott. "The prohibited list is supposed to cover people that are taking drugs that are not performance-enhancing; but because pain is such a factor, somebody may decide they want to run and they take a painkiller, and it can get them into more trouble.

"Part of the WADA code is to help to protect the health and well-being of the athletes so that is why there are some drugs on it," he further explained.

Unfortunate

He, however, expressed regret that Fraser tested positive for the substance, as he does not believe she intended to gain an unfair advantage.

Elliott said: "It is very unfortunate and I don't think she meant to cheat anybody, but the fact is that it is unfortunate. WADA's prohibited list is published January 1 each year, and athletes are cautioned that they should look what is on the new list."

Fraser will now be summoned to a hearing by the JAAA, after which a recommendation will be made as to whether she should be pardoned or punished for the offence.

"We are going to have a hearing and, depend on what the IAAF will accept, maybe she could get up to two years," said Elliott. "The most severe punishment is a two-year ban or she could get a public warning, or be banned for three or six months," he concluded.