Sepeng doping 'accidental'
2005-05-08 21:16
Pretoria - Despite receiving calls of support from all over the world after it became known that he tested positive for steroids, South Africa's star athlete Hezekiel Sepeng is fighting to clear his name.
Sepeng tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone, better known by its commercial name Deca-Durabolin.
' If found guilty, the 800m Olympic silver medallist in the 1996 Atlanta Games could be banned for two years.
Sepeng's coach says Sepeng did not knowingly ingest an illegal substance, but is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the possible reasons for the positive test.
Sepeng's long-time coach, Jean Verster, emphasised that they could not elaborate because of the sensitive nature of the matter.
However, he queried why the authorities waited so long before contacting Sepeng to inform him the sample taken on February 21 had tested positive.
"We can't say anything yet, but there are a few possible reasons for the positive test," he said. "We've written a letter to Athletics South Africa and to the IAAF in which Hezekiel says that he did not knowingly use any (banned) substances."
Verster said: "Sepeng asked that his B sample also be tested and we asked a complete breakdown of information."
Verster declined to comment on reports that Sepeng could have used contaminated supplements.
The British tennis player Greg Rusedski was absolved last year after testing positive for nandrolone. A tribunal found that the ATP had distributed tablets apparently contaminated by banned substances.
"In the meantime we're doing a lot of research on the internet about nandrolone and the possible reasons for positive tests."
Nandrolone has also been a talking point in SA rugby.
The two-year ban on Sharks flyhalf Herkie Kruger expired earlier this year, but he is still fighting to clear his name.
Former Springbok prop Cobus Visagie also tested positive for nandrolone in 2002 and he was banned for two years. This was later set aside when research indicated the body could over-produce nandrolone in some circumstances.
Nandrolone is known commercially as Deca-Durabolin and is a steroid administered by injection.