Shooting Athlete Suspended for the Presence of Cannabis

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that David Mylnikov, a shooting athlete, received a three-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. The athlete’s urine sample, collected during an in-competition sample collection session on June 9, 2023, revealed the presence of cannabis, a prohibited cannabinoid.

The presence of cannabis, classified as both a specified substance and a substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency 2023 Prohibited List, is considered an adverse analytical finding when the urinary concentration exceeds 150 ng/mL. The CCES assessed the relevant provisions of Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) Rule 10.2.4.1 and proposed a three-month period of ineligibility for this violation, as the CCES was satisfied that the cannabis was used out of competition and unrelated to sport.

In response to the CCES’s notification of the adverse analytical finding, the athlete waived their right to a hearing and accepted the proposed sanction and all other consequences. The sanction terminates on January 10, 2024.

During the sanction period, the athlete is ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the CADP, including training with teammates.

In compliance with rule 8.4 of the CADP, the CCES’s file outcome summary can be found in the Canadian Sport Sanction Registry.

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Tramadol & the WADA 2024 Prohibited List

FROM 1 JANUARY 2024, TRAMADOL WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM IN-COMPETITION USE IN SPORT. DO YOU KNOW IF OR HOW THIS ADDITION TO THE PROHIBITED LIST MAY AFFECT YOU?

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid pain medication used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It is sometimes used to treat pain due to sports injuries in athletes. It is in the category of “Narcotics” on the Prohibited List.

Tramadol is available in many different formulations, and is sold under many various brand names in different countries. Examples of brand names include: Tramal, Tramedo, Tramake, Zydol. Many other brand names exist and so athletes should check with their doctor or pharmacist what brands are prescribed in their own countries.

How does a substance get added to the Prohibited List?

For a substance to be placed on the Prohibited List it must meet two of the three following criteria:

It has the potential to enhance or enhances performance
It represents and actual or potential health risk to the athlete
It violates the spirit of sport

Which criteria does tramadol meet?

Recent studies have confirmed the potential to enhance physical performance in certain activities. Read one of the studies here: Is tramadol a performance enhancing drug?

Tramadol use has potential health risks for athletes. It can result in serious side effects, which include addiction and physical dependence, seizures and decreased alertness.

Use of tramadol for the purpose of performance enhancement is also against the spirit of sport.

When is tramadol banned?

Athletes will be prohibited to use tramadol during the in-competition period unless they have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
What is the In-Competition period?

The in-competition period usually begins at 11:59pm on the night before competition, but always check your International Federation’s (IF) Anti-Doping Rules.

Use of tramadol for urgent or emergency treatment of pain

Sometimes tramadol is required to be prescribed and administered to athletes for the urgent or emergency treatment of pain, such as when a severe, painful injury occurs during sport. When required for urgent or emergency treatment during the in-competition period, a Retroactive TUE should be applied for. It is therefore important that your doctor keeps good medical records of tramadol administration as it will be needed for this purpose.

I’m an athlete and I sometimes take tramadol for pain: what do I need to do?

Tell your doctor that tramadol is banned in-competition in sport. Ask them to consider your treatment options and possible alternatives.

If you require tramadol for your condition, ask your doctor to support you in submitting a TUE application. This may be a “Retroactive TUE” if tramadol was needed urgently for emergency treatment.

Understand the process around TUEs and whether you need one. Make sure you follow the necessary steps and have the required medical documentation. The ITA Athlete Hub is an excellent resource for more information on these topics.

Consequences of taking prohibited substances

The consequences of a positive test for a substance on the Prohibited List can be wide-ranging, with potential serious adverse effects to your health, sanctions from competing in your sport which will impact your sporting career, social and family network and potentially your finances.

You can find two interesting webinars on the ITA YouTube channel about the consequences of doping. Check out this playlist, or watch them directly below.