The gold medal in the Masters Division of the 2011 El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championship has changed hands.
As a result of a positive drug test by Mark Richardson, Puerto Rico’s Carlos Cabrero has been awarded the gold medal at the event, the International Surfing Association (ISA) has announced.
Richardson tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exceeding the maximum level under the WADA Code in force at that time. He received a three-month sanction, which has been completed.
The competition was held at the famous right-hand point break of Punta Roca, in El Salvador, in October 2011.
The ISA also awarded Gary Van Wieringen the silver medal, who moved from 3rd to 2nd and Ross Williams the bronze medal, who moved from 4th to 3rd, leaving the 4th place, copper medal position vacant.
"The ISA has been conducting drug tests at every ISA World Championship since 1992. Since then, the ISA has conducted over 600 drug tests, including to all finalists at all our World Championships, and this is the first gold medalist who has tested positive," underlined Fernando Aguerre, ISA president.
The ISA is a signatory of the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) Code and, as a result, is required to conduct drug tests at all ISA World Championships.
Take an in-depth look at the world of drugs in surfing.