Triathlete Faces A Ban After Failed Attempt To Use Steroids

The Triathlon Australia has placed a two year ban to Nathan Hollands for his attempt to use anabolic steroids. The arrest of the Australian triathlete began when the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service intercepted a package addressed to Hollands in March last year.

The agencies discovered the package that contained the prohibited anabolic steroid methandienone (Dianabol) disguised as financial statements. They then informed the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) who conducted further investigation.

From theage.com.au:

Australian triathlete Nathan Hollands has accepted a two-year ban for attempted use of anabolic steroids. The sanction stems from a failed attempt by 31-year-old Hollands to import anabolic steroids from Thailand.

The sanction was imposed by Triathlon Australia following an investigation conducted by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).

Investigations into the attempted importation began when the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service intercepted a package addressed to Hollands in March last year. Customs discovered the package contained the prohibited anabolic steroid methandienone (Dianabol) disguised as financial statements, before alerting ASADA.

ASADA chairman Richard Ings said Hollands' sanction was evidence that Australia's anti-doping partnership between ASADA and Customs was working successfully to detect serious doping cases.

Holland's plight is similar to that of Australian sprinter Nathan Allen, who was banned last year for two years after winning the 2007 Stawell Gift.

Allen was hailed as one of the fastest men in Australia, only to be suspended and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to one count of importing steroids from Thailand.

Nathan Hollands admitted that he was stupid when he tried to import six vials of anabolic steroids from Thailand to help him recover from a groin injury that was hampering his bid to win a berth in the Australian team for the Beijing Olympics. Hollands will be eligible to compete again in May 1, 2011 after his two year ban.