UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed that the British weightlifter Sonny Webster has been suspended from all sport for four years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV). Mr Webster tested positive for ostarine – an anabolic agent and non-specified substance that, under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2017 Prohibited List, is prohibited at all times – following an out-of-competition test on 23 May 2017. Mr Webster was charged with an ADRV pursuant to Article 2.1 of the British Weightlifting Anti-Doping Rules – “Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample.”

UKAD Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: “The principle of strict liability dictates athletes are responsible for any substance found in their body. Whilst strict liability can be challenging for any athlete, it is essential that they understand both the anti-doping rules and their responsibilities in order to manage that risk at all times.”

The weightlifter is banned from all sport from 14 June 2017 until midnight on 13 June 2021. The full written decision (download here) can be found under current rule violations.

• This media statement was originally published by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) on 5 December 2017. To access the original, please click here.