Ukad to review support measures after Lizzie Banks commits suicide over doping case

Lizzie Banks detailed to Telegraph Sport the lengths she and her family went through to clear their name. Photo: SWpix.com/Alex Whitehead

UK Anti-Doping has vowed to look into how it can «better support athletes» going through rule-breaking proceedings, after cyclist Lizzie Banks told Telegraph Sport on Tuesday that during her 10th -a month-long struggle with anti-doping authorities made her suicidal.

In this landmark case, Banks, 33, was ultimately able to identify contamination as the source of two adverse analytical findings she reported last July.

Ukad subsequently issued a verdict : “No fault or negligence.” and did not impose a ban, although it can still be appealed to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

This is the first time Ukad has made a finding of no fault or negligence and therefore no sanctions. when the athlete did not specifically identify the exact source of the infection.

Banks told Telegraph Sport that the fight to clear her name has cost her more than £40,000, destroying her career, livelihood and mental health.

She called WADA and Ukada's pollution rules «not fit for purpose.» , adding that she would take WADA to the European Court of Human Rights if they did not change the decision in light of her findings.

“WADA [the World Anti-Doping Agency] knew there was something here for years, and they nothing has been done about it,” she said.

“Vada seems so concerned with protecting the status quo that she can no longer understand what is right and what is wrong, what the problems are and how to solve them. to correct. Honestly, I've been through hell and I seriously fear that someone else in a similar position will end up committing suicide.»

In a statement on Tuesday, Ukad said it noted «regarding media reports and comments». made by professional cyclist Ms Elizabeth Banks,» adding that they «will be exploring what they can do to better support athletes going through anti-doping rule violation proceedings.»

The statement added: “Ukad will not normally comment on the facts of a particular case until all appeal periods have expired, after which the decision will be published in full in accordance with the reporting requirements of the UK Anti-Doping Rules.

Banks was informed that her suspension had been lifted on April 11. The deadline for WADA or British Cycling to appeal the verdict expired last Friday, but it is understood WADA now has an additional 21 days.

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Banks, however, said she couldn't wait any longer to tell her story. “For the sake of my own health, I cannot remain silent any longer,” she said. “I thought I was fine, but on May 17 I had a complete breakdown. I need this to end and to start this process I need to make it public. I understand that traditionally, if WADA wants to appeal, they usually do so within the first 21 days. If WADA now decides to appeal, noting that all the information is in the public domain, you can draw your own conclusions as to why that might be.»

A WADA spokesperson told Telegraph Sport: «This is complex and nuanced an area of ​​anti-doping where WADA always strives to find the right balance for the benefit of athletes and clean sport.

“I cannot comment specifically on the case you mentioned other than to say that, as in all cases, WADA will consider it to ensure that it has been properly considered in accordance with the rules, and, as always, reserves the right to appeal to the Arbitration Tribunal, if necessary.»