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7 August 2026
The ITA reports that the weightlifter Lucky Joseph has agreed¹ to the consequences imposed for his anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).
The athlete tested positive for the prohibited substance stanozolol metabolite after providing an in-competition sample on 16 May 2026 during the 2026 African Championships in Ismailia, Egypt.
Stanozolol is listed under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is classified as a non-specified substance and is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition). Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic steroid that promotes lean muscle growth and enhances strength.
When notified of the case, the athlete was provisionally suspended with immediate effect.
The athlete did not challenge his ADRV and agreed with the consequences that apply under the IWF anti-doping rules as proposed by the ITA.
Accordingly, the case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences.
The period of ineligibility is effective from 11 June 2026 until 10 June 2030. Additionally, all the athlete’s individual results, including those obtained at the 2026 African Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, are disqualified from the date of sample collection (16 May 2026) until the date of the provisional suspension (11 June 2026).
The decision may be challenged before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by the parties with a right of appeal in accordance with Article 13.2.3 of the IWF anti‑doping rules.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
¹ Athletes have the right to choose not to have their case referred to a hearing panel. In these instances, the anti-doping organisation will assess the athlete’s case file and establish the applicable consequences pursuant to the anti-doping rules and the athlete will have the right to accept the proposed consequences. If the athlete refuses the proposed consequences, the case is transferred to a hearing panel. This resolution mechanism is provided for in articles 8.3.1 and 8.3.3 of the IWF anti-doping rules and 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code and is commonly referred to as an agreement on consequences and is deemed an IWF /ITA decision. The athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organisation and the World Anti-Doping Agency have the right to appeal the agreement on consequences before the competent appeal body.
