Overview
- Shivpal Singh, a prominent Indian javelin thrower, tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year in an out-of-competition test, marking his second doping offence.
- The 29-year-old Olympian is provisionally suspended and could face an eight-year ban pending adjudication by anti-doping authorities.
- German biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz criticized Singh's actions, describing them as 'stupid' and 'cheating,' and lamented the lack of trust in legitimate training processes among athletes who dope.
- Bartonietz, who briefly coached Singh, pointed to the athlete's sporting lineage, calling his conduct a betrayal of his family's legacy in javelin throwing.
- The expert emphasized that Singh's case demonstrates the anti-doping system's effectiveness, as it successfully caught a repeat offender.