Doping bans have significant implications for athletes’ careers. And the rising doping cases are not only focused in the Track world but also in other sports like Tennis, which has also witnessed a rise in such cases. Recently, respected US hammer thrower Gwendolyn Berry, has found herself at the center of this controversy leaving track and field fans disheartened.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency has imposed a more than one-year suspension on the two-time Olympian. The test was conducted during an out-of-competition urine sample collection on March 23, 2023. Despite her exceptional achievements, the anti-doping violation has cast a shadow on Berry’s legacy.

A closer look at the second violation

34-year-old legend in the sports world has been in the spotlight for her success in various events. From the Pan American Games to USA Indoor Track and  Field Championships. However, her second-time anti-doping violation has put her career on hold. On August 3rd, a Track and Spice tweet made headlines with this new development in the sports world. The tweet has an elaborated caption, which declares the positive test of legend for canrenone a banned substance.

It has led to a 16-month suspension imposed by the authorities. Above all, Berry had accepted her ban from sports for the mentioned period. She was using a topical medication containing spironolactone. It was legally prescribed to her. But she failed to secure Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the medication.

The violation has resulted in disqualification from all competitive results achieved after the date of the positive sample collection, impacting her performance records and standing in various competitions. Notably, this is the second anti-doping rule violation for Berry within 10 years, intensifying the period of ineligibility as per the Code. Along with this, this action has raised questions about athletes’ ethical responsibilities in obtaining proper permissions for prescribed medications to avoid such violations. Despite these recurring doping incidents, her legacy remains a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Legend’s legacy in Track and Field world

Gwendolyn Berry boasts a remarkable legacy in the world of athletics. Her record-breaking achievements have earned her a place on the all-time list, with her mark of 77.78m standing as a testament to her prowess. Berry’s outstanding accomplishments include breaking the world record in the weight throw with a distance of 25.60m. Additionally, setting the American Record in Hammer Throw at 76.31m during the Tucson Elite Classic in 2016.

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Her talents have secured her multiple national championships and victory at Pan American Games. However, her most notable moment was raising her fist on the podium during the 2019 Pan American Games, using her platform to highlight social issues back home in the United States. Despite her exceptional achievements, the recent anti-doping violation has cast a shadow on Berry’s legacy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in sports. With this, fans eagerly await her comeback on the track.

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