Australian sprinter Peris fails doping test

SYDNEY: Australian sprinter Jessica Peris, the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris, has tested positive for a banned substance, drug agency ASADA said on Thursday, rocking her Commonwealth Games hopes.

Peris, who shot into contention for the Games in April with several personal bests over 100m and 200m this year, was subject to an out-of-competition test in October where ASADA collected both blood and urine samples.

“Her ‘A’ urine sample tested positive for three prohibited metabolites listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List,” the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority said.

“Due to the nature of the prohibited metabolites detected in the initial urine screen, an additional scientific analysis was required before the positive test could be declared and the athlete notified.

“As a result of the type of substance detected, the athlete was subject to a mandatory provisional suspension from all competition, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the Athletics Australia Anti-Doping Policy.”

Peris claimed there were “flaws” in the drug test which came back positive and forced her withdrawal from last week’s selection trials for the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.

“I did not take any performance-enhancing substance. I now believe that there are substantial flaws in the way in which my urine tests were conducted,” she said.In response to her claims about the integrity of the test, ASADA chief executive David Sharpe said he was “confident in the testing process and welcomed any oversight”.“Our testing program is professional, and is designed to detect doping, with the aim of protecting the right of clean athletes,” Sharpe said.