After an unprecedented six weeks of deliberation, The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) today (16/10/02) cleared Alain Baxter of any suspicion that the slalom skier had intended to cheat through the use of a US Vicks nasal
inhaler prior to the Men’s Slalom event at the Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. However, they felt unable to overturn the original decision of the IOC to strip him of his medal, based on the IOC’s strict liability
policy.
The verdict ends eight months of agony for Baxter, who was stripped of his medal following an IOC hearing in April.
The tribunal found that, although only a minimal quantity of
levmetamfetamine was found in Baxter’s urine, they upheld the IOC’s assertion that the IOC code intended to include the decongestant under the broad heading methamphetamine; this despite the acknowledged difference in the properties of levmetamfetamine and the strong psychotropic stimulant
methamphetamine. Already the IOC have taken steps to clarify its position in their new doping rules in place for 2003 listing both d- and l- rotations of all stimulant categories on their revised regulations.
Furthermore, the panel recommend in summary that, ‘The IOC may wish at some time to distinguish between the two isomers of methamphetamine and to introduce a threshold as it has done in the case of other stimulants such as caffeine.’
Although disappointed with the result, Baxter continues to focus on the season ahead. A previous CAS victory upheld Baxter¹s appeal against the International Ski Federation and will see him in the starting line up for the opening World Cup Slalom of the season, ironically in Park City, on 24th November 2002.
The tribunal concluded. ‘The panel is not without sympathy for Mr Baxter, who appears to be a sincere and honest man who did not intend to obtain a competitive advantage in the race.’
At home in Aviemore to receive the news Baxter stated, ‘I am relieved that this is over and pleased that CAS have at least cleared my name. I have known from the start that I was innocent of cheating and am grateful to those who have supported me throughout.’
Appeal coordinator, John Clark, stated ‘We are strongly against the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport, however, for the sake of all athletes, the testing bodies must be absolutely sure they have their science right.
Innocent athletes should not have to undergo such drawn out processes to clear their name and we hope that the recent changes to the IOC list are only the start of a major overhaul of the doping rules, bringing about fairness for all in sport.’
Snowsport GB, ‘Clearly we are disappointed at the outcome, however Baxter will now put this behind him and face the challenges that the 2003 season will present. We are confident that we will see him back on an international
podium. He has shown tremendous strength of character throughout his ordeal and we look forward to watching Alain return to the World class consistent form he have proved over the past seasons.
‘Olympic Games and sporting bodies are built on athletes and fairness is paramount. Doping organisations must be absolutely clear that their rules are scientifically accurate and accessible to athletes.’
For further information, please contact:
Fiona McNeilly on 07711 311990 or
John Clark 07967 587721