In a worst-nightmare scenario, Russian swimmer Anastasia Chaun has withdrawn from the World Championships, which are to begin next week, after suffering from a blood clot that is believed to have been caused during a drug test, according to several international news agencies.
The 22-year old was scheduled to swim in the women’s 200 breaststroke, where she is currently ranked 15th in the world (2L25.89).
Chaun reported a “sharp pain” in her left arm after a blood-draw performed by RUSADA (the Russian Anti-Doping Agency) earlier this month. The pains was ruled by doctors to have been caused by “thrombophlebitis,” described as an inflammation in the veins. Though thrombophlebitis is treatable with medicine, if the clot dislodges and travels to the heart it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.
(Update: RUSADA has responded to the claim. The positive test was not for a random drug test, rather it was a part of the “Blood Passport” program. Click here for more details).
Her father, Eduard Chaun, is quoted as saying “They failed to conform to basic hygiene standards while taking the samples and I believe they should bear full responsibility,” which implies that he will be taking legal action against the RUSADA. Chaun has been subjected to 7 blood tests in the past 6-months, which seems excessive on any grounds. It’s not clear yet if the number of tests was directly related to the clot that caused the swelling.
While it’s important not to demonize the drug-testers, and make sure that they maintain a reputation as “the good guys” who work to keep our sport clean, if they truly did cause this, then heads need to roll. The last thing that swimmers around the world need is to fear that the arrival of the drug-tester will end their season.
This case will stand as strong opposition to those who are pushing to make all random drug testing done by blood, instead of urine, as it is harder to fool a blood test.
Ok Ok Fine-I will give you back that Mishca fabric.
Ooh -a visit by RUSADA.
the KGB can’t be far behind.
http://www.rusada.ru/press/news19_07_2011-1&lang=eng
Foxhound – I got the agency thing right. Are you certain those bears were drunk ?
Hey BTW I own 3 metres of authentic Moscow Mischa polyester fabric. 80s orange with brown bears carrying Olympic flags proudly made in the USSR.
to JAG: omg, what mafia I’m pretty sure those were drunken bears on bicycles:)
regard the news. In Russian medias there are lots of controversies: it wasn’t a doping test but a blood sample for the blood passport. then some sources say the procedure was at the gym, other say in locker room. Chaun said she filled comments field in the test form that she’s experiencing pain and rush, RUSADA said she didn’t and her test form is clear. then RUSADA and Russian swim federation figured out that the blood sampling wasn’t taken by RUSADA, it was taken by “some certified agency”… Well, this story full of obscurities
Yes- Blood testing is seen as a holy grail .
However outside of properly supervised locations done by idiots -not so good.
In Russia it is probably contracted out to the mafia.
EhEhEh Who would want the Chinese getting in to your veins?