Para powerlifter Johannes Hernandez given 15-month ban for anti-doping rule violation

The athlete returned an adverse analytical finding for a prohibited substance in a urine sample provided on 31 August 2019 during competition at the Parapan American Games, where he finished fourth in the Men’s Over 107kg category.

The substances were Hydrochlorothiazide and metabolite, which are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2019 Prohibited List under the class S5. Diuretics and Masking Agents.

As a result of his violation, Hernandez is ineligible for competition for 15 months from 31 August 2019 to 30 November 2020. The athlete’s individual results obtained at the 2019 Parapan American Games are subject to disqualification, with all resulting consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points or prizes.

Each athlete is strictly liable for the substances found in his or her sample. An ADRV occurs whenever a prohibited substance (or its metabolites or markers) is found in his or her bodily specimen, whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault.

As a signatory of the WADC, the IPC remains committed to a doping-free sporting environment at all levels. The IPC, together with the International Federations and the National Paralympic Committees, established the IPC Anti-Doping Code (ADC) to prevent doping in sport for Paralympic athletes, in the spirit of fair play. The IPC ADC is in conformity with the general principles of the WADC.