Vanessa Sarno Accepts Two-Year Suspension from Weightlifting for Doping Violation

Manila, Philippines – Olympic Weightlifter Vanessa Sarno of the Philippines will be sidelined from competition for two years following a ruling by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The sanction stems from “whereabouts failures,” a procedural matter unrelated to any positive drug test results.

Understanding the Whereabouts rule

The International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed that Sarno was unable to provide accurate location data on three separate occasions within a twelve-month timeframe. This is a direct violation of the IWF’s stringent “whereabouts” rules, designed to facilitate effective and fair drug testing. According to the World anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, athletes must submit their daily whereabouts so they are accessible for testing.

The IWF imposed the ban despite the fact that Sarno was pregnant during the period of the missed filings. This detail, while acknowledged, did not mitigate the procedural breach. Did You Know? The “whereabouts” rule has been a consistent component of anti-doping protocols as the early 2000s, aiming to improve the efficiency of testing procedures.

The Impact of the Sanction

This two-year ban substantially impacts Sarno’s competitive future. She won a silver medal at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships and was considered a strong contender for the 2024 Olympic Games. These missed whereabouts filings occurred at a critical juncture in her career.

The IWF’s decision underscores the importance of meticulous compliance with anti-doping regulations, even in extenuating circumstances. Athletes are ultimately responsible for ensuring they meet all requirements to maintain their eligibility.

Rule Violation	Sanction	Circumstances
Whereabouts Failures	Two-Year Ban	Athlete was pregnant during the period of missed filings.

Pro Tip: Athletes should utilize calendar reminders and dedicated apps to manage their whereabouts filings accurately.

Evergreen Insights: The Importance of Compliance in Sports

The case of Vanessa Sarno highlights a growing trend in sports: an increased emphasis on procedural compliance as part of anti-doping efforts. While the focus traditionally centered on detecting prohibited substances, regulatory bodies now also prioritize ensuring athletes adhere to logistical requirements like accurate whereabouts reporting.

This shift reflects a broader attempt to strengthen the integrity of sports by creating a level playing field and deterring any form of unethical behavior. Consistent adherence to these rules is crucial for athletes hoping to compete at the highest levels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whereabouts Failures

• What is a whereabouts failure? A whereabouts failure occurs when an athlete is unavailable for testing at the location and time provided in their filing.
• Can pregnancy be considered a mitigating circumstance for whereabouts failures? While acknowledged, pregnancy does not automatically excuse a whereabouts failure according to current IWF regulations.
• how can athletes avoid whereabouts failures? Athletes should maintain accurate and up-to-date whereabouts information, utilize reminder systems, and cooperate fully with testing authorities.
• What are the consequences of multiple whereabouts failures? Multiple failures can lead to sanctions, including bans from competition.
• Where can athletes find more information about the whereabouts rule? Athletes can find detailed information on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the IWF websites.

Do you think the IWF should have considered Sarno’s pregnancy as a mitigating factor? What steps can athletes take to ensure they remain compliant with anti-doping regulations?

What specific anabolic steroid led to Vanessa Sarno’s two-year suspension?

Details of the Suspension

On August 28, 2025, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced that Spanish weightlifter Vanessa Sarno has accepted a two-year suspension following a positive drug test. The violation stems from a sample collected during out-of-competition testing. Sarno,a prominent figure in the women’s 59kg category,had previously secured a bronze medal at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships and a gold medal at the 2022 European Championships.

The specific prohibited substance involved has been identified as Clostebol, an anabolic steroid. This falls under the IWF’s anti-doping rules,which are aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. The suspension period begins immediately, disqualifying Sarno from all competitions for two years.

Timeline of Events

Here’s a breakdown of the key events leading to the suspension:

1. Out-of-Competition Testing: Sarno underwent routine out-of-competition testing, a standard practice for elite athletes.
2. Positive Sample: A sample taken during this testing revealed the presence of Clostebol.
3. Provisional Suspension: Following the positive test, Sarno was provisionally suspended from all weightlifting activities.
4. B-Sample Confirmation: The athlete requested and underwent analysis of her B-sample, which confirmed the initial finding.
5. Acceptance of Sanction: Sarno chose to accept the sanction and waive the right to a full hearing before the IWF.
6. Two-Year Ban: the IWF formally imposed a two-year suspension, effective August 28, 2025.

Impact on Sarno’s Career

This suspension represents a significant setback for the 21-year-old Sarno. She was considered a rising star in the sport and a strong contender for the 2024 Paris Olympics (though she did not qualify) and the upcoming international competitions.

Loss of Competition Opportunities: Sarno will be ineligible to participate in any IWF-sanctioned events, including World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic qualifying competitions.

Reputational Damage: The doping violation will undoubtedly impact Sarno’s reputation and public image.

Potential Sponsorship Loss: Sponsorship deals often include clauses related to anti-doping compliance,and Sarno may face financial repercussions.

Future Eligibility: Upon completion of the two-year suspension, Sarno will be eligible to return to competition, but will be subject to increased scrutiny and testing.

Understanding Clostebol and its Use in Sport

Clostebol is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) with both anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects. While it has legitimate medical uses,such as treating certain medical conditions,its use in sports is strictly prohibited due to its performance-enhancing capabilities.

Here’s why athletes might misuse Clostebol:

Increased Muscle Mass: Promotes protein synthesis, leading to increased muscle growth.

Enhanced Strength: Improves strength and power output.

Faster Recovery: Reduces muscle damage and speeds up recovery time.

Reduced Body Fat: Can contribute to a decrease in body fat percentage.

However, the use of Clostebol carries significant health risks, including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects.

Anti-Doping Regulations and the IWF

The IWF is committed to maintaining a clean sport and protecting the integrity of weightlifting. The institution adheres to the WADA Code, which outlines the prohibited substances and methods, testing procedures, and sanctions for anti-doping rule violations.

Key aspects of the IWF’s anti-doping program include:

In-competition Testing: samples are collected from athletes during competitions.

Out-of-Competition Testing: Athletes are tested randomly throughout the year, outside of competition.

Targeted Testing: Testing is focused on athletes who are considered high-risk or are preparing for major events.

Long-Term Storage and Re-analysis: Samples are stored for a period of time, allowing for re-analysis with improved detection methods.

Strict Sanctions: Violations of the anti-doping rules result in sanctions ranging from warnings to lifetime bans.

Recent Doping Cases in Weightlifting

Weightlifting has faced numerous doping scandals in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating performance-enhancing drug use.

2021 Tokyo Olympics: Several weightlifters were provisionally suspended during the Tokyo Olympics due to doping violations.

Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation Suspension: The Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation was suspended by the IWF due to a history of doping violations.

Ongoing Investigations: The IWF continues to investigate potential