In September 2023 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rower Lebone Mokheseng. Following notification the Athlete was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Tribunal.
SAIDS contended that the Athlete had 3 Whereabouts Failures within a 12 month period:
- a Filing Failure / Missed Test on 8 June 2023;
- a Filing Failure / Missed Test on 14 June 2023; and
- a Filing Failure / Missed Test on 12 September 2023.
The Athlete denied the charges and he requested for a reduced sanction. He explained that he already had retired from rowing at the time of the first test.
He testified about his personal circumstances and the problems he had in the family whereas he was hampered by the lack of assistance from Rowing South Africa (RSA). After he officially had resigned he assumed that the RSA should have notified SAIDS about his resignation.
The Panel accepted the Athlete's explanations and finds that he acted not intentional since he offically had resigned from RSA. Further the Panel deems that there are grounds for a reduced sanction and that he can continue his current job as a rowing coach.
Therefore the Panel decides on 29 January 2024 to impose a 1 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the 3rd Whereabouts Failure, i.e. on 12 September 2023.
