Today FINA came down with a ruling on the suspension length for Brazilian Joao Gomes Jr. Gomes will be suspended for a six month period lasting from December 4, 2014 to June 3, 2015. Th Brazilian Federation claimed that Gomes tested positive due to the fact that the drug hydrochlorothiazide came into contact with other approved supplements he was taking through cross contamination.
On December 4th at the Short Course World Championships in Doha Gomes tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, which primary uses are to treat high blood pressure and other cardiac issues. The medication the drug fits into FINA’s Class S.5 Diuretics and Other Masking Agents.
It has also been decided that all of his results on or after December 4, 2014 will be annulled, therefore forfeiting any awards or prize that have been collected.
Since his results from the Brazilian National Championships and Daltely Guimaraes Trophy have been erased and he will not be able to take part in Maria Lenk in April Gomes will not have the opportunity to qualify for either the Pan American Games or the World Championships.
He finished eighth in the 50 breaststroke in Doha and was a member of the men’s 4 x 50 and 4 x 100 medley relays as well as the mixed 4 x 50 medley relay all of which won gold. Gomes only swum in the preliminaries of each of the relays.
The good news for Brazil is that FINA decided the results of the relays will stand.
I feel ashamed for my country (Brazil) in particular; and for FINA and swimming in general!
Question: if his results were annulled, and he was a member of the relays (albeit in prelims) shouldn’t the relays be DQD also?