Kazakh Swimmer Alexander Varakin Suspended 2 Years For Masking Agent

Kazakh swimmer Alexander Varakin has received a two-year suspension from the Disciplinary Committee of the Kazakhstan National Anti-Doping Centre, effective June 26th, 2015.

Varakin was suspended after a positive test for Hydrochlorothiazide, which is classified by FINA under Class S.5 Diuretics and Masking Agents. Hydrochlorothiazide is not itself believed to have performance-enhancing properties, rather it is outlawed because of properties that may allow it to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The substance is most commonly associated with Russian cyclist Alexandr Kolobonev, who was pulled out of the 2011 Tour de France after testing positive for the substance. Kolobonev, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (after the silver medalist was suspended for a positive test) was later cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport of intentional doping and reinstated.

The 19-year old Varakin tested positive in-competition on April 30th, 2015 at a meet in Temirtau, Kazakhstan known as the “Spartakiade of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” April 30th was the meet’s final day, and was a World Championships selection event. Varakin was a member of the Kazakhstan National Team system, and was the winner of the 50 free (23.82) at the long course Belarus National Championships in 2014.