Two-time Olympian faces eight-year ban for doping and false documentation

Nicki Nicol, the chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, expressed regret in Robertson's actions and criticized doping in all its forms.

Zane Robertson in a file photo (Image Credits - Twitter)
By Abhiruchi Rout | Mar 22, 2023 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Zane Robertson, the distance runner from New Zealand, was given an eight-year suspension after testing positive for doping for the drug EPO, which is prohibited, and for presenting false documentation in his defense. Robertson, who placed third in the 5,000 meters at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, positively identified for EPO at the Great Manchester Run in May. His B-sample further supported the finding. Robertson then provided fraudulent healthcare records saying he was administered EPO instead of a COVID-19 vaccine during his virus treatment in Kenya. The athlete was also charged with filing false records after Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) deemed the story to be implausible.

Nicki Nicol, the chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, expressed regret in Robertson’s actions and criticized doping in all its forms. She claimed that Robertson’s behavior violated every principle upheld by the New Zealand squad and that every athlete has a right to compete on an equitable playing field. Nicol praised DFSNZ for its dedication to promoting honourable New Zealand athletes and protecting the integrity of competition. Athletics New Zealand’s chief executive, Pete Pfitzinger, reaffirmed the organization’s rigorous anti-doping policy and opposed all forms of doping.

Due to his suspension, Robertson will be unable to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he would have made his third consecutive appearance. At the time of his positive test, he was working out in Kenya. Now, anyone who works out with Robertson while he’s on suspension runs the danger of getting them disqualified.

Read more: Rise in Doping cases – A huge Concern for Athletics Kenya

What the Chief Executive of DFSNZ had to say

In response to Robertson’s activities, DFSNZ chief executive Nick Paterson expressed displeasure and argued that doping prevents clean athletes from competing on an even playing field. He regarded Robertson’s actions as profoundly regrettable and compromising the high levels of athletic ethics required of athletes representing their country. Paterson expressed gratitude to the Athletics Integrity Unit and Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya for their assistance in the matter. He further added that these organizations’ international alliances enable them to work together throughout the anti-doping landscape to identify and prevent doping and hold offenders accountable, no matter where they may be.

Some more achievements of Zane Robertson

Zane Robertson holds the Oceanian and New Zealand records for the 10 km and half marathon, as well as the marathon. He also has the best road 10 mile time in the area. Robertson ran the half marathon at Marugame in 59:47 in 2015, breaking the previous Oceanian record. He became just the fourth runner in history to complete the distance in under an hour who is not from Africa. Robertson finished third in the Gold Coast Marathon in 2019 in a time of 2:08:19, shattering his brother Jake’s previous record by seven seconds.

Read more: IOC’s Doyen Richard Pound wants the strengthening of Anti-doping Regulations