Athlete Successfully Defended by Clever Consult, in NCSA Proceedings This Time

Half a year ago Clever Consult legal team successfully defended Maxim Antonenko at RUSADA DAC. Instead of being imposed with a lengthy suspension the Para athletics athlete was reprimanded.

Unfortunately, it was not the conclusion of the story. The above decision was appealed and reviewed at the National Center of Sport Arbitration (NCSA).

It all began back in the year 2023 when Maxim was notified by RUSADA that the analysis of the athlete's sample showed a small concentration of a prohibited substance. Without a satisfactory explanation of how the substance had entered his system, the athlete was at high risk of facing a four-year suspension.

Clever Consult lawyers used their best efforts to defend the athlete and shed light on the cause of the adverse analytical finding. A wide variety of evidence was gathered. Our case was mainly built on the assertion that the adverse test result could have been caused by consumption of a “contaminated” product.

The NCSA hearing was exceptionally tough and demanding. Our legal team presented a broad spectrum of supporting materials. In the end, instead of a 4-year ban the athlete was suspended by the NCSA for 14 months. Besides, he received credit for 11 months actually served.

We extend our gratitude to Maxim for placing his trust in us and send him our best wishes for his future sporting achievements!