Boxer Đorđe Tomić temporarily suspended for doping

The Anti-Doping Control Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has found the presence of a prohibited substance from the List of Banned Substances – methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the sample of boxer Đorđe Tomić, a member of BC “Radnik” from Bijeljina.

The said substance is on the List of Banned Substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and belongs to group S6. STIMULANTS (specific stimulants).

The presence of MDMA in the said sample established a violation of Article 2.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code (Presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete's sample).

Đorđe Tomić was notified in writing by the Anti-Doping Control Agency of the results of the sample analysis, which was conducted in 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 did not declare his right to analysis of the „B“ sample within the prescribed period, he is considered to have waived that right, and the Boxing Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has made a decision on temporary suspension from domestic and international competitions until the conclusion of the proceedings.

The found substance is the main ingredient of the drug ecstasy, which is very popular among young people due to its relatively easy availability and the mistaken belief that it is a „safe substance“. Its abuse can lead to a number of acute health problems: hyperthermia, hyponatremia, heart rhythm disorders, psychological problems, brain edema, liver and kidney damage, and even death. It is mistakenly considered a mood enhancer that is not dangerous. Its use leads to increased alertness and energy, as well as suppression of fatigue and sleep. Liveliness occurs and the feeling of closeness to another person or the environment increases. Upon cessation of its effect, a feeling of fatigue and depression occurs that can last for hours.

The sample for analysis was collected on November 14, 2015 in Sarajevo at a competition within the 4th round of the Premier League of BiH in boxing. In addition to Tomić's, three other samples were taken at the same competition, which were negative.