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ATHLETICS-GBR-DOPING-LEVINE
British sprinter Levine suspended after failing drug test: UK Anti-Doping
LONDON, Nov 20, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – British sprinter Nigel Levine has been
suspended from all sport for four years after testing positive for banned
drug clenbuterol, UK Anti-Doping announced on Tuesday.
Levine failed a drugs test on November 24 last year and it emerged in
February that he had been provisionally suspended.
Announcing the four-year ban on Tuesday, UKAD said the 29-year-old’s ban
will be backdated to December 13, 2017 and run until December 12, 2021.
Levine was part of Britain’s 4×400 metre relay team that competed at the
2016 Rio Olympics and is a European indoor gold medallist.
Clenbuterol is an anabolic agent prohibited at all times under global anti-
doping rules.
“All athletes must adhere to the principle of strict liability, and are
solely responsible for any substances found in their system,” said UKAD chief
executive Nicole Sapstead.
“Mr Levine is an elite athlete, who has competed at the Olympic Games,
European and World Championships, and has received significant anti-doping
education throughout his career.
“It is up to role models such as Mr Levine to uphold the highest standards
when it comes to anti-doping.”
BSS/AFP/MRI/2109 hrs