By [invented Reporter] | OLYMPIA – 2025/06/19 13:40:54

Canoeist Francisca Laia, also a doctor, has accepted a four-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations, according to an announcement made Thursday by the International Test Agency (ITA). The Portuguese athlete,who won a medal at the Samarcanda 2024 World Cups,tested positive for a metabolite of dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone (DHCMT),an anabolic steroid that is prohibited.

The positive test occurred during a control conducted on August 25, 2024, at the non-Olympic distance world championships in Uzbekistan. Laia secured two medals at the event-a silver in the 200m K2 (with teresa Portela) and a bronze in the mixed K4 500m (alongside Teresa Portela, Fernando Pimenta, and Messias Baptista). Though, these results have been nullified due to the infraction.

«Following the result management process,the athlete did not dispute her ADRV and agreed with the applicable consequences,namely a period of ineligibility of four years from May 30,2025 until May 29,2029,the disqualification of her competitive results from August 25,2024 and the disqualification of her individual results in the ICF Canoeing World Championship 2024.Therefore,the case was resolved through an acceptance of the consequences,”can be read in an ITA statement.

The ITA, which oversees the anti-doping program for the International Canoeing Federation (ICF), stated that Laia’s lack of contestation led to an automatic suspension. The suspension, effective from May 30, 2025, will keep her out of competition until May 29, 2029, jeopardizing her participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

DHCMT, frequently enough called an “eternal steroid” due to its long detection window, is a synthetic androgen that enhances muscle mass and strength. The World Anti-Doping Agency (AMA) has banned its use since 1980.

The ITA’s decision can be appealed to the Appeal Division of the Arbitral Court of Sport.

«Following the result management process,the athlete did not dispute her ADRV and agreed with the applicable consequences…»

Understanding Anti-Doping Violations

Anti-doping rules are in place to ensure fair play and protect the integrity of sports. These regulations prohibit the use of performance-enhancing substances and methods. Violations can lead to severe consequences for athletes, including suspensions and the nullification of results.