You made a comment on the PTN thread which is probably better answered here.
Agreeing with you, I’ve pointed out that Simmonds was not “acquitted”, she “accepted” - ITA: “The athlete accepted the finding of the ADRV”
We are told the chap is no longer around: think it’s likely some “education” was part of the process since February. Simmonds remains in the World Tri RTP. How many tests has any athlete in RTP or otherwise had this year? Not public info. WADA Code 5.2.5
“ADOs may test any Athlete over whom they have Testing authority who has not retired, including Athletes serving a period of Ineligibility.”
From 2024 World Triathlon Anti-Doping Program Report: Out-of-Competition Testing [79 in RTP, 81 in TP] (NB IRONMAN have their own RTP as well and separate testing programme.)
● In total, 292 completed tests out of competition were collected and 258 successful tests
completed;
● 246 urines samples and 287 blood samples were collected;
● There were 34 unsuccessful attempts in 2024;
● There were 38 Whereabouts Failure in 2024;
● 103 Athletes were tested
Hair tests are valid and science backed: not “nonsense”. Her then partner’s hair analysis, showing Ligandrol consumption in early December, was a key if not vital element in the evidence to persuade the ITA Hearing panel that the source of the Ligandrol metabolites was - more likely than not - from him.
From the CAS arbitral for Harris World Curling v. Briane Harris :
“. . . Prof. Kintz’s hair analysis report . . It is important to note that hair testing does not meet the same standards of integrity as urine testing and would not suffice on its own to establish the source of contamination. Nonetheless, its reliability helps narrow down potential sources, which must then be proven through other means of evidence. The Sole Arbitrator has given minimal weight to this element of evidence, while mindful that the Athlete has limited means of defence before this type of accusation.”