Russian swimmer Alexander Zhigalov has been given a two-year anti-doping suspension for a violation of Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Russian Anti-Doping Rules. Those sections specifically deal with positive doping tests. His suspension officially began in February 2023, though he has received credit for a provisional suspension that backdated to May 26, 2022.
Zhigalov tested positive for the banned substance methylgensan-2-amine (1,4-dimethylpentylamine), which is a Class SB6 Specified Stimulant.
The substance, found naturally in small amounts in geranium plants, has been found in large quantities in some supplements. Supplements containing the substance are illegal in the United States.
WebMD reports that while many stimulants increase energy and focus and decrease hunger, there is “no good scientific evidence to support the use of 1,4-DMAA for those effects.”
The US Anti-Doping Association has put out warnings about the ingredient that has been found in many preworkout powders, including infamously “Jack3d,” though the company that manufactures it claims to have removed the substance.
Shortly before announcing the positive test, the All-Russian Swimming Association put out a public service announcement to its membership warning against the use of all supplements.
Zhigalov represented Russia at several international meets, including most recently at the 2021 World Short Course Swimming Championships. Then only 20, Zhigalov placed 11th in the 200 breaststroke and swam a leg on the Russian 400 medley relay.
He placed 9th at the European Championships earlier in the year in long course, and 6th at the 2019 World Junior Championships. He was the 2019 European Junior Champion in both the 100 meter breaststroke and 200 meter breaststroke.
He is the second Russian World Junior Championships finalist to earn a doping suspension in the last year. In October, Alexandra Sabitova was given a two-year suspension for testing positive for a banned diuretic.
*Shocked Pikachu face*
That picture is like 4 years old. Leon is from France, this dude is from Russia. Would you rather see Leon pouting on the podium?
I think you have something to hide def not Leon he just works hard
It may be a stimulant but it also lowers testosterone.
Give Corbeau that gold medal
Wow!!! A Russian suspended for doping!..Who would have thought?
It’s usually the Chinese
Has any American been banned for doping?