Leading sports scientist Dr Ross Tucker says there is a possibility that Aphiwe Dyantyi innocently ingested multiple banned substances.

READ: ‘I didn’t know’ defence won’t fly for Dyantyi

Speaking to talk show host Eusebius McKaiser, Tucker explained that while there is a possibility that Dyantyi may have taken the substances by accident, it is a professional athlete’s obligation to ensure that they are fully aware of everything that they consume.

The 2018 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has maintained his innocence despite the charges against him, after both his A and B samples tested positive for multiple anabolic steroids.

ALSO READ: Dyantyi doping: What was discovered

Tucker said that while the anabolic agents metadienone, methytestosterone and ligandrol can be used to build muscle mass and aid the loss of fat mass, athletes might also use them to improve their recovery after injuries.

‘The point of testosterone-like drugs is to enhance the strength gains and the other benefits that come from training,’ explained Tucker.

‘The combination of strength gain and recovery improvements is what makes them performance enhancing.’

Tucker went on to say that the most common excuse used by athletes after failed doping tests, is that athletes place the blame on the supplements which they consume.

‘They’ll say that the supplements are contaminated,’ continued Tucker.

‘That is possible. I read a review article in which they looked at studies that have analysed supplements, and they believe that between 12 and 58% of supplements contain some kind of banned substance.

‘When you think about the odds, if you are not taking steps to ensure that your supplements are clean, then you are taking a massive risk with your career. At best you’ve got a 1-in-8 chance of taking something illegal by accident.’

Tucker was adamant in his belief that the athlete is solely to blame in such circumstances, saying that their access to medical experts puts the onus on athletes to take precautionary steps when consuming supplements.

‘It’s difficult to feel huge sympathy. Of course all of this presupposes that he has taken this drug by accident. It’s possible that he’s actually sought out testosterone or other banned substances to accelerate recovery from a hamstring injury. And then, of course, all bets are off,’ he said.

‘The only scenario where you’ll feel sympathy for him is where he’s being pressured by coaches or doctors to take the drugs.

‘If that’s the case then that’s a massive scandal. But then, for all other scenarios, it sits with him.’

Listen to the full interview HERE

Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix