Swiss triathlete Imogen Simmonds has been cleared of a doping violation after the International Testing Agency (ITA) ruled that her positive test was the result of “sexual contamination” rather than intentional drug use.
The 32-year-old athlete tested positive for the banned substance SARMS LGD-4033 metabolite Dihydroxy-LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) but was found to bear “no fault or negligence” for the anti-doping rule violation (ADRV). The ITA accepted her explanation that the substance entered her system through intimate contact with her partner, who was unknowingly taking supplements containing the banned compound.
Ligandrol, according to the ITA, is “a selective androgen receptor modulator that promotes muscle growth and enhances athletic performance” and is prohibited both in and out of competition.
Simmonds expressed immense relief following the verdict, sharing on social media:
“It is with indescribable relief that I announce the ITA has decided on a ‘no guilt or negligence’ verdict regarding my ADRV from an out-of-competition test on December 8, 2024. I was informed of the presence of Ligandrol on February 5, 2025, which the ITA has ruled was due to sexual contamination.”
She added that the accusation caused significant emotional distress:
“When I first received the news, my world collapsed. The loss of identity and dignity I felt brought me immense pain. While this ‘not guilty’ verdict may not draw as much attention as the initial accusation, it means everything to me. Proving my innocence is what has kept me going.”
Simmonds boasts over 10 professional victories and finished ninth in the T100 Triathlon World Tour last season. Her strong performance secured her a spot for the 2025 season, though she has not competed since placing fourth at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand on December 14, 2024. She is currently ranked 124th in the PTO world standings, after ending 2024 in seventh place.
The ITA’s official statement confirmed that:
“Simmonds provided a sample during an unannounced out-of-competition test on December 8, 2024, which yielded an adverse analytical finding for Ligandrol. The athlete demonstrated that the substance entered her system through inadvertent contamination caused by intimate contact with her partner, who was taking supplements containing Ligandrol without her knowledge. As a result, she was found to bear no fault or negligence and is free to compete immediately.”
Since the sample was taken out of competition, there were no results to annul. The ITA concluded that the matter is closed, though the decision may be appealed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The agency stated it would not issue any further comments on the case.
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