Weightlifter banned for an additional three years following violation of Anti-Doping Rules

Weightlifter Sonny Webster has been given an additional three-year ban from all sport, having breached Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) during an ongoing period of ineligibility.

Mr Webster received a four-year ban in December 2017 (effective from 14 June 2017) having tested positive for ostarine – an anabolic agent and non-specified substance – following an out-of-competition test on 23 May 2017.  

ADR Article 10.12.1 states an athlete or other person who has been declared ineligible may not, during the period of ineligibility, participate in any capacity or, in the case of an Athlete Support Person, assist any Athlete participating in any capacity.

UKAD received information that Mr Webster had been assisting three athletes during his period of ineligibility, which included various forms of coaching, for which he received payment.

UKAD Chief Executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel must be fully aware that when they break the rules and receive a sanction, UKAD will continue to monitor their activity, and any prohibited involvement in sport will be punished accordingly.

“Hopefully this case serves as a warning to those serving bans that any athletes committing further violations during the term of that ban will result in additional and significant sanctions.”

Mr Webster’s additional period of ineligibility shall apply from 14 June 2021 until midnight on 13 June 2024.

To read the full judgement, please click here.