More Doping Ban Controversy: Swiatek's Failed Test

Just about everyone is wading in on this year's doping cases in tennis. But there's no doubt that players are treated inconsistently and illogically. Tara Moore was banned for 19 months after eating contaminated meat in Columbia. She can't look that up on a website and see a 'don't eat this meat you'll fail a doping test' attached to the menu. Although the organisers knew about it but oh dear didn't quite inform the players soon enough. In which case it's the organisers fault and she shouldn't have been banned. Using common sense would help.

I can understand Halep being rather annoyed because it's a parallel case with Swiatek. Both she and Swiatek take something which should be doping safe but has been cross contaminated and they fail a doping test. In both cases the amount is negligible so I don't see the need for banning players like this. 

To ban a player due to a failed doping test should only happen when it's clear that the amount they have consumed is significant enough to enhance their performance.That's what the test is there for: To catch those trying to gain an unfair advantage not for those who happen to make an error they're not aware of. Yes they should be heroic and always check some list or other on some website but if you're focused on your tennis it's tough being constantly paranoid about the slightest bit of nourishment intake.

However, I know how the whole thing drove me nuts so in the end I took no vitamin/mineral supplements, was over careful about what I ate and drank, hence was under-fuelled for my matches. That doesn't help either. Although I felt just as energetic at the end of the match as I had when I started, however, had it been a hard fought three set match I may have wilted, who knows. But by players taking a risk that what they consume does not contain a banned substance they are that much quicker and stronger so have a competitive edge.

Something needs to change concerning doping. It's too strict, too erratic, so players have to become neurotic about simple things like eating. Being an athlete is so time and energy consuming you don't have spare capacity for all these extras. 

Make the whole thing simple and not at the level of a qualified pharmacist. And ask: Would this amount make a difference to their performance? If not, don't mention it. You can tell them quietly for their own information, but that's it.