Sprinter Bernice Wilson, who made her international debut for Britain at the European Indoor Championships in Paris in March, has become the latest athlete facing a maximum four-year ban from athletics following her positive test this summer for two performance-enhancing drugs.
The Lincolnshire runner, who tested positive for the anabolic steroid testosterone and the slimming aid clenbuterol during the Bedford International Games on June 12, was suspended for four years after first appearing before a disciplinary panel in July.
Her punishment is the maximum permitted under the World Anti-Doping Agency code for a first time offence. According to the code, the mandatory two-year ban can be raised to four years if “the athlete or other person used or possessed multiple prohibited substances”.
It is understood that Wilson has appealed against the sanction, and her hearing will take place in the New Year.
Wilson, 27, enjoyed a rise to prominence in 2011 when she qualified for Paris with a lifetime best 60 metres time of 7.25 seconds, finishing second behind Jodie Williams at the Aviva UK Indoor Trials in Sheffield in February.
Last month, British shot putter Carl Fletcher was also handed a four-year ban after becoming the first GB athlete to be suspended for trafficking performance-enhancing drugs.
