Triathlon star cleared of doping after claiming contamination from partner

Swiss triathlete Imogen Simmonds has been cleared of doping charges after the International Testing Agency (ITA) ruled that her positive drug test resulted from “sexual contamination” and not deliberate use.

The 32-year-old tested positive for Dihydroxy-LGD-4033, a metabolite of the banned substance Ligandrol — a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) known to enhance muscle growth and performance. However, the ITA accepted her explanation that the substance entered her system through intimate contact with her partner, who had been using supplements containing Ligandrol.

In a statement on social media, Simmonds expressed relief after months of uncertainty following the December 8, 2024, out-of-competition test that triggered the case.

“It is with indescribable relief that I announce the ITA has decided on a ‘no guilt or negligence’ verdict regarding my ADRV,” she wrote. “At that time, the world I had spent my entire professional career building around me crumbled… but proving my innocence has been what kept me going.”

The ITA confirmed that Simmonds bore “no fault or negligence” and imposed no suspension, meaning she is free to compete immediately. The agency noted that, since the sample was taken out of competition, no race results were affected.

Simmonds, who boasts more than 10 career victories, finished ninth in the T100 Triathlon World Tour last season and fourth at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand in December 2024. She currently ranks 124th in the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) world rankings.

The ITA stated that the case is now closed but may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by parties entitled to do so.