BROWN Alicia

General
SANCTION
In November 2013 she tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic classified as a 'specified substance'. The period of ineligibility for a first violation for the presence of a specified substance is two years. At a hearing in January 2015 to determine whether the two-year period of ineligibility should be eliminated or reduced, the arbitrator ruled that the athlete was at no significant fault and lowered her sanction to a reprimand with no period of ineligibility. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport [CCES] appealed the judgement and in April 2015 the Appeal Panel overturned the arbitrator's decision, stating that Brown had failed to adequately explain how the substance had entered her system. They also confirmed the two-year ban on the athlete, which made her eligible to begin competing again in November 2015. (cces.ca, 07 May 2015)

TAKING POSITIVES
She believes her two-year suspension from the sport for a doping violation has made her a stronger athlete. She is also appreciative to her coaches and her family for their support. "It's their belief in me and the belief that I had in myself and in my integrity that moved me forward. It helped me develop my strength, emotionally, physically and mentally. I can take that with me in so many areas of my life. It's kind of bittersweet but it's made me a stronger person and I'm grateful for that." (cbc.ca, 16 Jul 2016)