Failed doping test keeps Costa Rican star out of Parapan American Games

Costa Rican athlete Sherman Güity is not competing in this week’s Parapan American Games after failing an anti-doping test.

According to Costa Rica’s National Olympic Committee (CON), a routine drug test of the sprinter detected Clostebol, an anabolic steroid which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. 

Güity claims he had not taken the drug for performance-enhancing purposes, saying Clostebol is an ingredient in a spray medication he had used to help heal a wound.

“We have been following up on this unfortunate situation with legal support and support for Sherman, aware that it has not been a situation that has been given to improve his performance with a doping substance but as a result of a small ambulatory surgery and ignorance of the product used,” said Henry Núñez, CON President.

Güity began training as a para-athlete after losing part of his left leg in a 2017 traffic accident. In May, he placed atop the world rankings in the 200-meter T64 at the 2019 Para Athletics Grand Prix and won gold in the 100-meter sprint.

Steven Román earned Costa Rica’s first medal at this week’s Parapan American Games with his performance in table tennis.