The case centers on an anti-doping rule violation involving Albanian weightlifter Endri Karina during the 2012 London Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiated proceedings after reanalysis of Karina’s urine sample, collected on 23 July 2012, revealed the presence of dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (oral turinabol), a prohibited anabolic steroid. While the initial test during the Olympics showed no adverse findings, the 2019 reanalysis by the Lausanne Laboratory confirmed the substance’s presence. Karina was notified of the adverse analytical finding but chose not to contest it by requesting the B sample analysis or providing an explanation for the substance’s presence.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division (ADD) acted as the first-instance authority, determining that the presence of the prohibited substance in the A sample, combined with Karina’s waiver of B sample analysis, constituted sufficient evidence of a violation under Article 2.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC). The IOC argued that the substance’s doping-specific nature indicated intentional use and that Karina failed to demonstrate no fault or negligence. The IOC sought disqualification of Karina’s Olympic results, including forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes.
The sole arbitrator, Pekka Ilmivalta, reviewed the case based on written submissions, as Karina did not request a hearing. The arbitrator concluded that the violation was established, emphasizing that under IOC rules, a violation in individual sports automatically leads to disqualification of competition results. The decision upheld the IOC’s request, imposing sanctions and disqualifying Karina’s 2012 Olympic results. Karina denied using the substance and claimed ignorance of how it entered his system, citing his clean record in prior tests. However, his failure to challenge the findings or provide an explanation reinforced the violation.
The ruling highlighted the strict liability principle in anti-doping regulations, where athletes are responsible for any prohibited substances in their bodies, regardless of intent. The decision also noted the possibility of appeal within 21 days under CAS procedures. The case underscores the consequences of failing to contest adverse findings and the rigorous enforcement of anti-doping rules in international sports. The arbitrator’s final decision confirmed the violation and imposed the requested sanctions, including the disqualification of Karina’s Olympic results and forfeiture of awards.