The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper has reported that 17-year-old world under 20 sprint champion, Brianna Williams has allegedly tested positive for the banned diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
According to Williams' lawyer Dr. Emir Crowne, the substance was confirmed present in the athlete's B sample from tests carried out at the Jamaica National Senior Championships between June 20 to 23. The athlete's 'A' sample was originally tested at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab in Montreal, Canada. However, Crowne is questioning how was this information made public as he is yet to receive confirmation.
"Quite frankly, we have not received any notice of the results of her B sample yet. I emailed JADCO to follow up and we have no official communication from JADCO whatsoever about that," said Crowne.
Crowne also told The Gleaner that he will be seeking an expedited hearing and will be contesting that the 17 year-old had no fault in the circumstances and therefore, should not face any sanctions.
The Gleaner article goes on to explain that a well-placed source, which requested anonymity revealed that Williams’ team has pointed to a contaminated cold and flu medication, which importantly, she had declared on her testing protocol form, as the source of the banned substance.
According to the Gleaner, on July 25, Williams and her team were advised of an adverse analytical finding in her 'A' sample from the National Senior Championships, where she placed third in the 100m in 10.94 seconds.