Statement on Anti-Doping

2014 Commonwealth Games representative Melanie Panayiotou has been suspended from competition due to the presence and use of prohibited substances.

This follows Panayiotou’s mandatory provisional suspension handed down by Athletics Australia (AA), after Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) confirmed she returned a positive doping sample of Norethandrolone and/or Ethylestrenol at an out-of-competition doping control test on 3 September 2019.

In accordance with AA’s national Anti-Doping policy, Panayiotou was provisionally suspended while a process was under way with SIA. Under the process, all details are required to remain confidential until SIA has completed its investigations. Panayiotou’s suspension commenced from the date of her test and will expire on 3 September 2022.

As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency Code, AA condemns doping in sport. AA works tirelessly to ensure a clean and level playing field for all athletes across the globe and we endorse and demand the highest possible level of testing protocols to ensure that all those who break the rules are caught and sanctioned.

AA acknowledges its duty of care to Panayiotou and will continue to do all that is appropriate to ensure that she is provided with necessary support at this time.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 17/6/2021