Weightlifter sanctioned
Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges that Australia Weightlifting Federation (AWF) has imposed a three-year ban on athlete Songhwan (Alan) Park for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance/s and/or its metabolite and Use and Possession of Prohibited Substances.
Mr Park, a Masters athlete, returned an Adverse Analytical Finding from an In-Competition doping control test on 15 May 2022 during the Queensland Weightlifting Association State Masters Championships.
Mr Park’s sample was analysed at the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, part of the National Measurement Institute, and the presence of prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy LGD-4033, RAD140, Higenamine, and N,N-Dimethyl Phenethylamine (DMPEA) were detected.
The substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and RAD140, known as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), are classified as Class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) substances and are prohibited at all times. Higenamine is classified as a Class S3 (Beta-2 Agonists) substance and is also prohibited at all times. N,N-Dimethyl Phenethylamine (DMPEA) is classified as a Class S6 (Stimulants) substance and is prohibited In-Competition only.
It was also determined that:
- On and/or before 15 May 2022, Mr Park used LGD-4033 (Ligandrol); and/or RAD140; and/or Higenamine.
- On 15 May 2022, Mr Park used the Prohibited Substance DMPEA.
- From on and/or around 10 February 2021 to on and/or around 15 May 2022, Mr Park possessed LGD-4033 (Ligandrol); and/or RAD140.
Mr Park’s ban, commencing on 15 May 2022, was reduced by 12 months following a full admission of the alleged anti-doping rule violations.
Mr Park is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 15 May 2025. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-Signatory professional league or Event organised by a non-Signatory International Event organisation or a non-Signatory national-level Event organisation.
Additional information on the Prohibited Substances
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and RAD140 are promoted as selective non-steroidal anabolic agents. They are claimed to induce muscle (and bone) growth without the side effects associated with steroid use. However, information on the safety of LGD-4033 and RAD140 is scarce due to a lack of medium and long-term clinical trials - hence the medium and long-term health impacts are unknown. It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health-risks, particularly for the heart and liver.
Higenamine allows the lungs to take in more oxygen. However, as a cardiotonic, higenamine can increase heart rate, putting an athlete at an increased risk of arrhythmias and even death. DMPEA is found in pre-workout and bodybuilding supplements and can increase risk of stroke.
Sport Integrity Australia is committed to protecting the right of clean athletes to fair competition.
If you are aware of any suspicious doping activity, you can:
- Report it anonymously online via the Sport Integrity Australia website or:
- Call: 1300 027 232
Sport Integrity Australia recommends athletes check substances and medications before taking them and to follow our advice on sports supplements.
The Sport Integrity app provides a resource to check substances and medications. As well as information on how to find batch-tested supplements and see if a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is needed.
The free Sport Integrity app is available for iOS and Android devices, on the App Store and via Google Play.
