The case involves an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against a decision by the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC) regarding weightlifter Tzu-Chi Lin, who tested positive for prohibited substances. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was tasked with determining whether the athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation with intent, as defined under the Chinese Taipei Anti-Doping Rules (CT ADR). The athlete failed to provide concrete evidence to establish the source of the prohibited substances, merely claiming inadvertent ingestion through supplements without sufficient proof. The panel found that the product in question clearly indicated the presence of a prohibited substance (DHEA) on its packaging, making the risk obvious. The athlete’s failure to research the product or seek clarification due to a language barrier did not excuse her actions, leading the panel to rule that she acted with "indirect intent" by disregarding the significant risk of a violation.
This was the athlete’s second doping violation, following a prior offense in 2010. She tested positive in an out-of-competition test in June 2016, leading to a provisional suspension before the 2016 Olympics. The CTOC initially imposed a two-year ban, but WADA appealed, arguing for a stricter sanction due to intentional violation. The CAS proceedings were conducted in English, with a sole arbitrator reviewing written submissions. The arbitrator concluded that the athlete’s conduct met the criteria for intentional violation, emphasizing that athletes must exercise due diligence regarding supplements they consume. Language barriers do not absolve athletes of responsibility; they must verify product contents or avoid using them.
The case reinforces the strict liability principle in anti-doping regulations, holding athletes accountable for ensuring no prohibited substances enter their bodies. The final ruling upheld the violation and imposed an eight-year ineligibility period, doubling the standard four-year sanction for intentional violations due to it being the athlete’s second offense. All competitive results achieved by the athlete from June 24, 2016, onward were disqualified, leading to forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes. The CAS upheld WADA’s appeal, overturning the CTOC’s decision and dismissing all other motions. The ruling underscores the importance of athlete accountability in preventing doping violations and maintaining fairness in sports.