Olympian Zane Robertson banned for eight years for doping violations

Olympic champion and multiple New Zealand record holder Zane Robertson has been banned for eight years by the Court of Appeal for anti-doping rule violations.

Robertson was found to have broken the rules “concerning the presence and use or attempted use of the prohibited substance erythropoietin (EPO) and for tampering or attempted tampering with any part of the doping control process.”

Robertson holds six national distance running records, including half and full marathons. He is also a Commonwealth Games medalist, having won bronze in the 5000m at the Glasgow 2014 Games.

In a statement, the New Zealand Sports Tribunal said Robertson was provisionally suspended without appeal on September 20 last year for the first two anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).

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This followed an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from an in-competition doping control test at the Manchester Great Race in May 2022.

“Mr Robertson chose to have his ‘B’ sample tested and this confirmed the original result. He subsequently accepted the presence of the banned substance but asked to be heard in relation to the sanction.

“Mr Robertson submitted evidence, which was disputed by Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ), leading to allegations of tampering. The parties subsequently filed a joint memorandum stating that Mr. Robertson did not contest the tampering violation and no longer sought a reduced sanction for the original ADVRs.”

The eight-year ban was the only sanction available to the tribunal, as the first two ADRVs carried a four-year sentence and the tampering offense carried a four-year sentence, in addition to the four years for the Original ADVRs had to be served, the statement said.

Robertson accepted EPO’s presence, but initially tried to defend the rule-breaking by offering a bizarre explanation for how the banned substance got into his system.

Robertson claimed he visited a Kenyan medical facility to receive a Covid-19 vaccination but was instead treated for the virus, which included being administered EPO.

According to the full decision released by the Sports Court, Robertson supported his testimony with affidavits from two Kenyan doctors, “hospital notes”, a “hospital report” and testimony from a Kenyan detective corroborating his claims.

DFSNZ responded to Robertson’s testimony with expert opinion from Dr. StephenRitchie, who commented on the “clinical implausibility” of the medical treatment allegedly received from Robertson.

The DFSNZ also provided a statement of the investigations it conducted into Robertson’s allegations, as well as testimony from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) Legal Officer, who had investigated Robertson’s allegations for the DFSNZ.

DFSNZ alleged that Robertson’s statements and supporting documents contained forged documents and false statements, in violation of Rule 2.5 (Tampering).

In the face of additional evidence collected and filed by DFSNZ, Robertson abandoned his defense.

“In deciding not to challenge the tampering violation, Mr. Robertson left the court no choice but to conclude that he deliberately attempted to undermine the doping control process,” the decision reads.

Nick Paterson, CEO of Drug Free Sport NZ, said in a statement: “Mr Robertson’s actions are not only deeply disappointing but undermine the high level of sporting integrity that we see and expect from athletes who represent our country.”

EPO is on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List and is banned at all times. It artificially improves performance in endurance sports by boosting red blood cells, DFSNZ said.

Anti-doping sanctions for the substance are unusual in New Zealand, DFSNZ said while Robertson was training in Kenya.

“This case has benefited tremendously from the sharing of important information and invaluable support from the Athletics Integrity Unit and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. Our global partnerships allow us to work together across the anti-doping landscape to detect and deter doping and hold dopers accountable wherever they are.”

Athletics NZ chief executive Pete Pfitzinger expressed his disappointment and sadness before reiterating his organization’s commitment to clean sport.

“We strongly condemn all forms of doping in our sport and as supporters of the World Anti-Doping Code and SADR, We reaffirm our strict anti-doping stance,” he said.

“We provide anti-doping education through our national anti-doping organization DFSNZ and fully support testing protocols in our sport to ensure a level playing field for all. As an organization, we take athlete welfare very seriously, so we understand the anxiety and stress that Zane will experience.

“As soon as he received the EPO positive test notification last year, we offered and provided extensive wellbeing support alongside High Performance Sport New Zealand and we will continue to provide support during this challenging time.”

Paterson said a sports ban includes a coaching ban. “Any athlete who accepts coaching from Mr. Robertson during his suspension is at risk of being suspended himself.”