Bodybuilding President: Full Probe Before Giving Name

The Barbados Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has not turned a blind eye to the use of performance-enhancing substances by its bodybuilders.

But it president Shirley Garnes told NATIONSPORT yesterday it would be inconsiderate to reveal the name of the latest muscleman to test positive for using a banned drug unless the appeals process had been exhausted.

“There are a lot of things on the list of banned substances and you have to be careful how you interpret a result and point fingers at people and accuse them of being cheats,” she said.

“We believe in giving the athlete a right to appeal. We don’t see why we should reveal the name of an athlete until we thoroughly investigate and the period of appeal has passed.

“In our society, you are never allowed to forget what you have done in the past. That person is labelled forever so we need to be sure before we announce a person’s name.”

Noting the federation was focusing on getting the team off to the CAC Games in the Bahamas today, Garnes conceded there was a positive test following last month’s national championships but she added that the federation’s executive committee would have to meet after that event, and discuss the matter before any disclosure would be made.

“Yes, we tested 18 athletes and we had one positive test but it does not affect the team going off to the games. It was someone outside the CAC team,” Garnes said. “But we have notified the person in writing and stated what the likely penalty would be. If he believes he is innocent, he has the right to appeal. If he doesn’t the disciplinary action will stand.”

However, she made it clear the federation could not tell a bodybuilder what to use.

“We can sensitise them as to the list of things that are carried on banned substances. We warned them about the dangers of using supplements without being fully aware of what is contained in those supplements. If they go ahead and use them, they would have to suffer the consequences.”

Garnes said penalties for athletes testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs were set out in International Federation of Bodybuilding by-laws and enforced by the local federation.

She also said an athlete testing positive for a stimulant or soft drug would receive a warning or a six-month suspension depending on the type of stimulant but for an anabolic steroid, a first offender would get a two-year ban.