South African distance runner William Captain made historical past earlier this 12 months as the primary native winner of Cape City’s Two Oceans Half-Marathon since 1998, however his victory will seemingly be erased.
On Monday, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) introduced that Kaptein had obtained a one-month suspension after an in-competition doping take a look at detected hashish in his urine pattern. Underneath the World Anti-Doping Company’s (WADA) 2025 Prohibited Record, cannabinoids are banned throughout competitors, which means athletes can not have the substance current on race day.
The 32-year-old wrote on Fb that the constructive take a look at got here as a shock. “Two nights earlier than my race, I smoked hookah (flavoured tobacco) at a celebration, as I usually do in social settings, however I later discovered the hookah had been spiked with weed with out my data,” wrote Kaptein. “I by no means imagined one thing like this might occur.”
Kaptein received the 20.6 km race (on a shortened course) in 64:41, edging South African half-marathon champion Bennett Seloyi by two seconds.
Based on the race’s web site, the Two Oceans Half-Marathon enforces an anti-doping coverage according to WADA and SAIDS requirements. Whereas hashish is authorized in South Africa for private use, elite athletes are anticipated to adjust to anti-doping rules and perceive the principles.
Kaptein’s preliminary three-month sanction was decreased to 1 month after he reportedly accomplished a SAIDS-run substance abuse therapy program. Hashish will not be thought-about a performance-enhancing drug, however some athletes use it for the perceived advantages in temper and restoration.
In 2021, WADA revised its code on THC, permitting for decreased sanctions if athletes show their use occurred out of competitors and was unrelated to efficiency. The change got here after U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s high-profile suspension forward of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which value her a spot on the Video games and her U.S. out of doors 100m title.
In 2023, the NCAA eliminated hashish from its banned substance listing altogether.
Kaptein mentioned the doping suspension taught him to be extra “aware” of his environment. “I’ve discovered my lesson and am again in competitors now, feeling motivated and able to transfer ahead. Subsequent 12 months, I’ll be again for that race once more.”
