Levy stunned

JAMAICAN SPRINT hurdler Ronald Levy says he is surprised to have his A sample turn up a positive result for a banned substance.

Yesterday afternoon, news broke that the bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics had tested positive for a banned substance, and within hours, he released a statement on social media platform Instagram that promises to be his last until he has gone through the legal process.

According to sources, who wish to remain anonymous because they do not have the authority to make public utterances on the matter, Levy tested positive for a substance that features prominently on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.

But according to the 2018 Commonwealth Games 110 metres gold medallist, a positive result was “a surprise” to him since he has “always conducted [himself] with the highest level of integrity in the sport”.

According to Levy, he loves the sport “and would never seek to gain an unfair advantage”.

Levy went on to reveal the time of the positive test and when he was informed of same.

“Early last month, I was tested out of season,” he said before voicing surprise.

“I expected to be negative on that test like I have been on every test I have ever taken throughout my career,” said Levy.

The letter informing him of his positive test, Levy said, was received on Tuesday and he has asked for his B sample to be tested.

“I am extremely stunned by this,” he said, before pointing out that while he would not make further utterances on the matter out of respect for the process, he would be fighting to maintain his integrity.

“[I] would never seek to gain an unfair advantage,” Levy said. “I intend to defend my integrity during this process because I am certain I did not knowingly breach the rules.”

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