Adela Čomor suspended for two years for doping

Bosnian and Herzegovinian athlete Adela Čomor, a member of AK „Novi grad“ from Sarajevo, has been suspended for two years from competition due to a positive doping test, announced by the Anti-Doping Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as reported by the Patria agency. 

Her doping test sample contained the prohibited substance Ephedrine at a concentration greater than 10 µg/ml  (class S6. Stimulants), thereby violating Article 2.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code (Presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete's sample).

The sample was collected on 11.06.2017 at the Individual Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina in athletics for seniors 2017, and Adela Čomor was notified in writing by the Anti-Doping Agency of the results of the sample analysis from the competent laboratory, as well as of the right to analysis of the „B“ sample or waiver thereof, in accordance with Article 7.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code.

Given that the athlete Adela Čomor waived the right to analysis of the „B“ sample, the Athletics Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina imposed a measure of competition ban lasting two (2) years, and the results and placement achieved by Adela Čomor at the aforementioned Individual Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina are annulled.

Ephedrine is a stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system and belongs to the same group as amphetamines due to its similar chemical structure. It is used in competitive sports as a doping substance because it increases exercise tolerance or prevents exhaustion during prolonged performances. Ephedrine and other stimulants are also used in strength sports to increase explosiveness and power during exercise, as well as for effects of accelerating metabolism and increasing fat burning.

Negative effects of ephedrine include tremor, tachycardia, and increased blood pressure. It can cause confused and paranoid states, hallucinations, insomnia, moderate euphoria, loss of appetite, angina pectoris, and serious cardiac arrhythmia in sensitive individuals or if consumed in large doses. It can also cause nausea, difficulty urinating and breathing. Large amounts of this substance combined with exertion can lead to heart attack, dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, and even death.