Olympic champ Fraser escapes maximum ban

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser will still face disciplinary action but the reigning Olympic and World 100 metre champion will not be slapped with the maximum penalty for a failing a doping test.

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association had lobbied the IAAF’s Doping Review Board for a reduced sentence for Fraser from the two-year standard.

“The Tribunal (JAAA Disciplinary Panel) was of the view that there were circumstances in the athlete’s case which may be exceptional and special and therefore referred the case to the IAAF’s Doping Review Board for determination,” the JAAA said.

“The Doping Review Board has now replied that they have agreed with the Tribunal that special circumstances are met for a reduction of sanction in the athlete’s case from two years.”

The JAAA will now determine the penalty for Fraser.

Fraser tested positive for the non-performance enhancing drug oxycodone at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting on May 23.

Meanwhile, 400 metres runner Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, has been banned for two years after the JAAA found that “an anti-doping violation has occurred.”

Wilkins tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance during the IAAF World Indoor Championships in March in Doha, Qatar.