By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Paris Olympian weightlifter Vanessa Sarno has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).
The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an independent anti-doping program on behalf of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), reported this development on its website after Sarno “committeed three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period.”
“The athlete did not challenge the ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA,” the report stated.
“Accordingly, the case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences,” it added.
Additionally, all results of Sarno’s competitions from the date of commission of the ADRV, which was last Jan. 1, until the start of the period of ineligibility are disqualified, including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes.
Sarno’s period of ineligibility is from Aug. 4 this year until Aug. 3, 2027, although the decision may be challenged before the appeal division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella, meanwhile, clarified that the Sarno’s sanction is not related to a failed doping test, but a failure to report due to a personal problem.
Sarno, 21, is a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and a 2020 Asian champion.
