The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has suspended shooting Para sport athlete Saeed Mohammed Abdulla Alblooshi for a period of two years for committing an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), in breach of the IPC Anti-Doping Code (IPC Code).
On 11 November 2022, a urine sample was collected from the athlete in competition during the R9-Mixed 50m Rifle prone SH2 event at the Al Ain 2022 World Shooting Para Sport Championships. Laboratory testing revealed that the sample contained Propranolol and its metabolite 4-hydroxypropranolol (Propranolol), a Prohibited Substance listed under class P1 (beta-blockers) of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List.
Propranolol is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, performance anxiety, tremors and to prevent migraine headaches. It has been known to have performance-enhancing effects for athletes in shooting sports and is prohibited at all times for athletes in shooting Para sport.
The athlete relied mainly on his lack of education and understanding of the requirements in the IPC Code, and that he had no intention to use Propranolol for performance-enhancing purposes.
“This case serves as a timely reminder that athletes must make themselves aware of their rights and responsibilities under the IPC code. This includes responsibility for anything they ingest or use that may result in a positive test. Athletes are strongly advised to seek advice from a medical or appropriately trained professional to ensure medication they are prescribed does not contain a substance or method included on the Prohibited List. If no alternative treatment is available and an athlete needs to take medication that contains a Prohibited Substance or Method for health reasons, they are advised to apply for a TUE as soon as practicable.