News

Posted January 4 2021

Scottish Rowing is extremely disappointed to report that an indoor rower from Scotland has been found guilty of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and has been suspended for a period of 4 years.

World Rowing today published the outcome of Anti-Doping Disciplinary Proceedings against Robert Strachan, an indoor rower and member of Scottish Rowing.  Mr Strachan competed at the World Rowing Indoor Championships in Paris, France on 7 February 2020 and was tested in competition on behalf of World Rowing.  The presence of terbutaline, clenbuterol and exogenous testosterone were detected in the sample provided.  World Rowing was responsible for the results management of the case and the final decision.  Mr Strachan was issued with a 4-year ban from sport backdated to the start of his provisional suspension on 20 March 2020.

With the new WADA Anti-Doping Code coming into effect on 1 January 2021, this is a timely reminder to all rowers at any level in the sport, that athletes are solely responsible for any prohibited substance they use, attempt to use, or is detected in their systems, regardless of how it got there or whether there was the intention to cheat. 

Amanda Cobb, Scottish Rowing Chief Operating Officer commented, “Scottish Rowing is committed to the principles of Clean Sport and fairness of competition and this case underlines the importance of ensuring that we continue to provide clean sport education and information to all those involved in rowing in Scotland.”

Martin Claxton, President of Scottish Rowing also added, “The sanctions for an individual athlete or Athlete Support Personnel (such as a coach) found guilty of committing an ADRV can range from a formal warning to a lifetime ban.  There is no place for doping in our sport and I encourage athletes at all levels from elite to beginner, including juniors, to take advantage of the education available and don’t let one bad decision ruin a potential sporting career.”

A range of Clean Sport resources and information are available from Scottish Rowing and UK Anti-Doping.  Scottish Rowing advises that anyone competing in any form of rowing – including indoor rowing – ensures they understand and abides by their responsibilities. 

Mr Strachan’s ban will run from 20 March 2020 to 19 March 2024 and during this period prohibits Mr Strachan from taking part in all sport in any role.  This includes:

• Taking part in all competitions, training or activities organised or convened by Scottish Rowing/British Rowing or any member club of Scottish Rowing/British Rowing or any affiliated organisations; and

• Coaching or supporting rowers in any capacity.

*ENDS*

The World Rowing statement can be found here.

Reporting doping or raising concerns

If you are concerned doping may be taking place, you can share your concerns via UKAD as follows:

Telephone: 08000 32 23 32

Via UKAD Protect Your Sport

Submit a reporting form to UK Anti-Doping via a secure online form.