Wilson ban confirmed

British sprinter Bernice Wilson has had a four-year ban confirmed after losing an appeal against the sanction imposed following her positive test for two anabolic steroids.

Wilson, 27, from Lincolnshire, broke into the British team last year and competed at the European Indoor Championships in Paris in March but tested positive for testosterone and clenbuterol on June 12.

An independent National Anti-Doping Panel handed out a four-year ban which Wilson appealed against, and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed on Friday she had lost her appeal.

UKAD chief executive Andy Parkinson said: "We have successfully argued for a four-year ban which demonstrates that UK Anti-Doping always seeks robust sanctions against athletes who look to cheat the system and betray those around them.

"This sends a strong message to anyone looking to dope in the UK and gives clean athletes the confidence that we are working hard on their behalf, within the framework of the World Anti-Doping Code, to protect their right to compete in doping-free sport."

A first doping offence normally carries a two-year suspension but it can be increased to four years for "aggravating circumstances", including if an athlete tests positive for more than one banned substance.

In its decision, the National Anti-Doping Panel said Wilson was an "experienced and senior athlete" who saw herself as a role model to younger athletes.

"Far from admitting her guilt... she sought to blame other people," said the panel in its ruling.

The appeal panel confirmed the four-year ban, said Wilson's arguments were "entirely without merit" and ordered her to pay UK Anti-Doping's costs of the appeal.