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20 June 2025
The ITA reports that the masters rower Bosko Bjelajac was sanctioned with a 6-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for EPO and clenbuterol following two separate in‑competition and out-of-competition doping controls conducted on 13 September 2024 and 31 October 2024, respectively.
EPO is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List as S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. EPO is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. EPO increases the red blood cell production, thereby increasing oxygen to the muscles. This increases the ability to exert energy and remain active for a long period of time.
Clenbuterol is prohibited under WADA Prohibited List as S1.2 Other Anabolic Agents, is prohibited at all times and is a non-specified substance. Clenbuterol exhibits steroid-like effects and has the potential to promote muscle growth.
When notified of the case, the rower was provisionally suspended with immediate effect.
The ITA issued the sanction on behalf of WR in accordance with article 8.3.3 of the WR anti-doping rules (and equivalent provision in the World Anti-Doping Code).¹ The period of ineligibility, which was increased to 6 years on the basis of aggravating circumstances², is effective from 13 December 2024 until 12 December 2030 and the athlete’s individual results have been disqualified from 13 September 2024 onwards.
Parties with a right of appeal may challenge the decision before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with article 13.2 of the WR anti-doping rules.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
¹ When an athlete does not challenge the assertion of an ADRV and does not request a hearing, anti-doping organisations have the possibility to issue a written decision sanctioning the athlete and imposing the applicable consequences without having to refer the case to a hearing panel. This is provided in articles 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of the WR Anti-Doping Rules and article 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
² As per Article 10.4 of the WR Anti-Doping Rules, if aggravating circumstances are present which justify the imposition of a period of ineligibility greater than the standard sanction, the period of ineligibility otherwise applicable shall be increased by an additional period of ineligibility of up to two years depending on the seriousness of the violation and the nature of the aggravating circumstances. The circumstances and actions that qualify as aggravating circumstances include, but are not limited to, circumstances where the rower used or possessed multiple prohibited substances or prohibited methods.
