Curler Briane Harris frustrated at delay in decision on her appeal of doping violation
Canadian Curler Briane Harris Awaits Decision on Doping Appeal
Four-time Canadian women’s curling champion Briane Harris is facing a frustrating wait for a decision on her appeal of a doping violation that could potentially end her athletic career and Olympic dreams. Last February, Harris tested positive for the banned substance Ligandrol, resulting in a provisional suspension of up to four years. She maintains that she was unknowingly exposed to the drug through bodily contact and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in August.
Since then, Harris has been in limbo, unable to compete, train, or interact with her teammates due to the suspension. The delay in reaching a decision has taken a toll on her mental and emotional well-being, especially as she is currently five months pregnant.
In an interview with CBC Sports, Harris expressed her frustrations with the prolonged process, stating, “I have been really struggling. I fought to be strong for a long time, but since the beginning of November, I’ve noticed a change in me that I have been unable to control. There is absolutely no reason that it should take this long to release a decision while an athlete’s sports career hangs in the balance. This is a totally unacceptable procedure by the CAS.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Harris remains hopeful that the appeal will go in her favor and is eager to return to the ice. She emphasized her commitment to fair play and her belief that the appeal process needs to be reformed to prevent similar situations in the future.
Efforts to contact the World Curling Federation and CAS for updates on Harris’ case have been unsuccessful, with Curling Canada stating that they are waiting for a resolution to the situation. Ligandrol, the banned substance Harris tested positive for, is known for its energy and muscle growth-boosting properties and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Harris was shocked by the positive test result but remains confident in her innocence and the strength of her legal team’s case. She hopes that changes will be implemented in the appeal process to prevent prolonged delays and ensure fair treatment for athletes in similar situations.
If the decision is in her favor, Harris acknowledges that it will not erase the months of uncertainty and hardship she has endured. However, she remains optimistic about the outcome and looks forward to the opportunity to return to competitive curling.
As Harris continues to await a verdict on her appeal, she emphasizes the importance of improving the testing system to prevent cases of contamination and protect the integrity of sports. She urges for immediate changes to be made to ensure that no athlete has to endure the same lengthy and stressful appeal process she has faced.
