For those who say that every elite level athlete uses some type of doping to be competitive, sorry to disagree: this statement cannot be justified with the Games, at least for this year.
In fact, CrossFit® has released some interesting information: they have been carried out five drug tests outside the dates that precede i Nobull CrossFit® Games 2023.
Moreover, this has already been happening for about three years, during which CrossFit® carries out random tests outside the competitive period, at the beginning of the year and now at the end. Therefore, the idea of athletes using performance-enhancing drugs up to months before competition begins to become more difficult to support.
To give you an idea, they have been carried out eight tests before this year's Games. Now, after the Games and the Rogue Invitational 2023, five additional tests were performed.
Among the names subjected to anti-doping tests, five are finalists in both events, including champions. But, in reality, if we look at the list of all tests carried out outside the competitive period during the entire year, there are many names who participated in the Games.
In this context, among the post-competition doping tests, there are names like Alex Gazan, Jeff Adler, Brent Fikowski, Pat Vellner and Dallin Pepper.
However, if we look at the full list of names tested outside the competition period, we still find: Gabi Migala, Laura Horvath, Emma Lawson, Mal O'Brien, Justin Medeiros, Roman Khrennikov, Ricky Garard and Sam Kwant.
After the tests carried out, no athlete tested positive for doping. Therefore, no one will be suspended. However, these tests do not exclude the possibility that athletes are also tested during the competitive period.
In fact, the idea is to prevent doping during preparation periods of athletes for competitions.
Index
What substances are considered doping in CrossFit®?
Substances considered doping in CrossFit®, as in many other sports, are regulated by anti-doping regulations.
Banned substances may vary and are listed by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on their list of prohibited substances. Some of the common categories of banned substances include:
- Stimulants: Such as amphetamines and some attention drugs.
- Anabolic substances: Like anabolic steroids.
- Peptides and hormones: Some hormones and peptides may be prohibited.
- Masking agents: Substances used to disguise the use of other prohibited substances.
- Beta blockers: Used to control blood pressure and other conditions, but may affect performance.
- Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs): Similar to anabolic steroids but with fewer side effects.
It `s important to note that many supplements may contain ingredients that may be banned, therefore athletes must be careful what they consume and must be aware of the ingredients in the products they use.
What are the sanctions for those caught for doping?
Penalties for doping in CrossFit® can include:
- Suspension: The athlete can be suspended from all competitions for a specified period, usually 4 years.
- Disqualification of results: Athletes may be disqualified from results obtained during the period in which they were subjected to doping.
- Loss of medals and awards: If an athlete has been awarded medals or prize money, he or she may be required to return those prizes.
- Reputation: The athlete's public image could suffer significant damage, with implications for sponsorship opportunities and careers in the sporting environment.
Who are the most famous CrossFit® athletes caught for doping?
In the world of CrossFit®, some athletes have unfortunately violated anti-doping rules, generating much discussion.
One of the best known episodes involves Ricky Garard, Australian athlete, who received a four-year suspension after testing positive for testolone and endurobol during the 2017 CrossFit® Games. Garard has served his sentence and is back competing at a high level, coming 3rd at the 2022 Games.
In Italy, we have had similar cases, like that of Andrea Barbotti, who was found positive for clomiphene and has already served a four-year suspension.
Another case concerns Manila Pennacchio, disqualified in 2019 at the Italian Showdown following tested positive for the substances GW1516 sulfoxide and GW1516 sulfone, metabolites of GW1516.
The most recent case was Bernard Luzi, who was found positive for meldonium at the 2021 Games and will remain suspended until July 2025.