UK Edition
Javelin thrower Joanna Blair blames supplement for failed doping test
Joanna Blair, last year’s British javelin champion, has blamed a “contaminated” supplement after being provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test.
The 31-year-old confirmed she had tested positive while representing Great Britain at this summer’s European Team Championships, citing a creatine product she had been using “for a number of years”.
The suspension was announced by UK Athletics on Monday before Blair released a statement apologising for “any negative impact this will have on the sport”.
She said: “I and my legal representative have investigated the source of the prohibited substance and it has been confirmed that a creatine supplement I had been using was contaminated.
“Before I began using this supplement, I checked the ingredients to ensure this product was safe to use and, having satisfied myself that it was, had been using it for a number of years. I am cooperating fully with both UK Anti-Doping and UK Athletics to resolve this and hope this matter will be concluded shortly.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to UK Athletics and athletics generally for any negative impact this will have on the sport.”
UKA earlier confirmed Blair had been charged with an anti-doping rule violation and said the provisional ban had been issued by UK Anti-Doping.
“The individual now has the opportunity to respond to the charge against her including the right to a full hearing of the case,” the statement added.
A proven contaminated supplement case may not absolve Blair entirely of blame under strict anti-doping rules but it could bring a ban measured in months rather than years.
A promising junior and contemporary of the likes of Jessica-Ennis Hill and Greg Rutherford, Blair threw a personal best of 57.44 metres – three metres further than her previous best – to win the British title last year.
She beat 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Goldie Sayers into second place and claimed seventh spot on the all-time British distance list.
She failed to reach the qualifying mark for this summer’s World Championships in London but was in the running for selection by England for next year’s Commonwealth Games.