Montsho faces uphill task to clear her name
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday August 5, 2014 16:04
Montsho’s sample tested positive for banned stimulant methylhexaneamine during a random test.
The result drew mixed reactions in her homeland with outpouring sympathy, while others felt she needed to exercise caution on what she consumes.
A Mmegi Sport deep throat says the sprint star faces a mammoth task in her fight to clear her name. Montsho requested a B sample and the results were expected last night.
An authoritative source on doping told Mmegi Sport the result is unlikely to be different. He said there was laxity on the part of Montsho as anti-doping guidelines are clear.
The official said the athlete should have known better and was supposed to exercise caution on what she consumes.
“As a professional athlete, you do not consume anything that you do not know. “Banned substances are not found in ordinary food,” said the source.
He said anti-doping regulations demand that athletes fill in a form when they take medication, which might contain banned substances.
“If you take medication, an athlete should fill in a form and take recommended doses.
“If a test is carried out and banned substance is found, the athlete will be absolved since they are taking medication and have completed all procedures,” the source continued.
The official said athletes are aware of this requirement. Additionally, athletes should inform the anti-doping agency of their whereabouts, failure to which, they face punishment.
“Professional athletes are aware of these requirements,” the source added.
He said it was highly unlikely the B sample, which Montsho had requested will come out negative.
“The process is thorough and it is highly unlikely that there would be any other outcome different from the first.” Former world and Commonwealth champion Amantle Montsho has been provisionally suspended after failing the doping test following the women’s 400m final at Glasgow 2014.
Reports from London are that Montsho consumed an energy drink, which contained the banned substance while others said she was taking flu medication.
Methylhexaneamine is found in flu medication and energy drinks.