Briana Williams, who was tested positive for a banned substance at the Jamaica Trials in June, is at no fault. That is what her legal representative, Dr Emir Crowne, is arguing.
Williams, who won World U20 sprint double in 2018, was tested positive for the banned diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). However, according to her lawyer “Williams bears no-fault.”
“Our primary position will be that Ms Williams bears no fault in the circumstances, and there should be no sanctions levied against her,” he said.
Williams ran a Jamaica junior record 10.94 to finish behind Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at Jamaica Trials.
Dr Crowne admitted, “It will be an uphill battle.”
However, he is confident “this is one of the truly genuine times when there was nothing more the athlete could do in the circumstances.”
According to reports, the cold and flu medication taken by the athlete was contaminated.
“We will rely on a finding of no significant fault because again, it’s a contaminated product,” he added.
Under the WADA Code and JADCO code, Williams is eligible for the minimum sanction, which is a reprimand.
Dr Crowne said that is what they will be asking for in the case.
The Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel has not yet set a date for the hearing.
Jamaica is expected to name their team by September 8, but entries for the Doha World Championships, close on the 16th.
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Joyeth Bent my long lost friend Joyeth you know it all. How do it feel when it’s the Jamaicans turning up dirty? You always so negative about us Americans.
Julia Haskins-Anderson you knew nothing
I knew she was dirty. Shameful
Herd that from Ben, hope the best for her
She may not be at fault but since the banned substance was in her system at the time she ran the 100m final, she will have to relinquish the U18 National and World records she set. If she is cleared for Doha she has another chance to retrieve them.
Praying for you Briana, hold your head up and don’t be discouraged.