Two Bosnian athletes sanctioned for doping

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Two doping-positive Bosnian athletes have been sanctioned for doping.

First, kickboxer Slavoljub Budeša, a member of the "Panter" club from Bijeljina, was banned for two years from competing due to the use of prohibited substances. The decision on the sanction was made by the Management Board of the Kickboxing Federation of BiH.

Budeša was tested out-of-competition by the Anti-Doping Agency, and a prohibited substance, recombinant erythropoietin, was found in his sample, thus establishing 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).

Recombinant erythropoietin is a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells. Athletes misuse it because it increases their aerobic capacity and improves endurance and results, especially in aerobic disciplines.

The second sanctioned athlete is Paralympian Jovica Goreta, who was banned from participating in sports for six months by the Executive Committee of the Paralympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina due to a positive doping test result.

The Anti-Doping Agency tested Goreta out-of-competition, and the prohibited substance hydrochlorothiazide was found in his sample. This substance belongs to the group of diuretics and is used to lower high blood pressure and helps excrete excess salt and water from the body.

The Bosnian Paralympian represented the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018, in the alpine skiing discipline.

This is the first doping case in Bosnian-Herzegovinian sports for persons with disabilities.