The case involving Elena Danilova and World Triathlon (WT) before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) centered on allegations of an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) related to the use of the prohibited substance trimetazidine (TMZ). The dispute arose from evidence that Danilova’s urine samples collected in 2014 and 2015 contained TMZ, which was concealed due to the Russian doping scheme uncovered by the McLaren Reports. This scheme involved systemic manipulation of doping control processes by the Moscow Laboratory and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), where positive test results were hidden to protect athletes. Danilova denied any knowledge or involvement in the scheme, but WT charged her under Article 2.2 of the World Triathlon Anti-Doping Rules (WTADR), which defines the use of a prohibited substance as an ADRV.
The case hinged on the reliability of evidence, particularly data from the Moscow Laboratory’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). WT argued that the 2015 LIMS database was authentic and showed TMZ in Danilova’s samples, while the 2019 LIMS had been manipulated to delete these records. Independent forensic experts confirmed that critical data had been intentionally altered or removed in the 2019 LIMS, supporting WT’s claims. The Sole Arbitrator, Susan Ahern, emphasized that under the WTADR, the burden of proof rested on WT to establish the violation to the "comfortable satisfaction" standard, which requires more compelling evidence for serious allegations. The arbitrator found that WT met this burden, relying on expert testimony, including that of Professor Christiane Ayotte, who confirmed the presence of TMZ in Danilova’s samples.
Danilova contested the allegations, arguing that the Moscow Laboratory’s procedures were unreliable and that the digital evidence lacked independent verification. She also claimed her use of Mildronate (meldonium) for a cardiac condition could not explain the TMZ findings. However, the arbitrator dismissed these arguments, noting that the 2015 LIMS data was corroborated by recovered records and that TMZ and meldonium are distinct substances. The arbitrator concluded that Danilova had committed an ADRV by using TMZ, a substance known to enhance endurance performance, and imposed a four-year ineligibility period starting from her provisional suspension in May 2021.
WT sought the disqualification of all Danilova’s competitive results from 2014 to 2021, but the arbitrator ruled this would be disproportionate, as there was no evidence of violations after June 2015. Instead, results from June 2015 to June 2019 were disqualified, aligning with the maximum four-year sanction period. The case highlighted the challenges of adjudicating doping violations in the context of systemic fraud, balancing strict anti-doping enforcement with fairness to athletes. The decision underscored the importance of reliable evidence and the need for nuanced sanctions in complex cases involving state-sponsored doping schemes. The ruling also reinforced the principle of strict liability, holding athletes accountable for prohibited substances in their bodies regardless of intent. The case concluded with the option for either party to appeal within 21 days, in accordance with CAS procedures.