Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
A Norwegian track coach was suspended by the Norwegian Athletics Association for providing advice on the effects of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (hGH). Peter Vukicevic allegedly shared details of doping protocols in a series of emails sent to another high-level track coach between 2001 and 2003.
Vukicevic also suggested that some of the athletes that he trained may have used steroids or performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Vukicevic reportedly asked for advice on how to avoid detection by anti-doping controls.
The incriminating emails were published in a top Norwegian newspaper. Vukicevic has not denied sending the emails in question. However, he has claimed that the incriminating steroid information was added by a bitter ex-wife. The ex-wife allegedly manipulated the contents of the emails before passing them on the media.
The emails brought unwanted scrutiny to the accomplishments of one of his star athletes as well. Most notably, Vukicevic coaches his daughter Christina Vukicevic. Christina is a former Norwegian under-23 100-meters hurdle champion. She was selected to represent Norway at the 2012 Summer Olympic in London earlier this year. However, she withdrew at the last minute citing inadequate training preparations.
The news about the steroid-related emails also caused trouble for the recipient (and his clients) as well. Vukicevic sent the emails to Serbian coach Srdjan Djordevic. Djordevic has one very high-profile client in the world of track and field Marlene Ottey.
Ottey is one of the most accomplished female track athletes in the sport's history. She has competed at the elite level for over 30 years. During this time she was won numerous Olympic medals while making appearances at a record seven Summer Olympics.
Ottey continues to compete at the age of 52. Most recently, Ottey was the anchor for the Slovenian 4—100 relay team at the 2012 European Athletes Track and Field Championships. She was selected to represent Slovenia at the 2012 London Olympics. However, the Slovenian team was not ranked high enough to meet Olympic qualifications.
The steroid advice received by Ottey's coach will inevitably lead to suspicions regarding the superhuman performances of the world-class quinquagenarian. At the very least, it gives journalists an excuse to re-examine Ottey's steroid positive from 1999.
Ottey tested positive for nandrolone metabolites during a 1999 track meet in Switzerland. Both her samples showed higher than normal levels of nandrolone. The most common form of nandrolone is nandrolone decanoate; athletes and bodybuilders refer to it as Deca¯. Deca is short for the Organon brand name Deca Durabolin.
Ottey alleged she never knowingly used anabolic steroids. He appealed her suspension and won. The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association cleared her of all charges. And track's governing body lifted the two-year suspension.
Anti-Doping Norway is currently investigating Vukicevic to determine whether or not the emails are legitimate. There has been no evidence to suggest that any of Vukicevic's or Djordevic's athletes have doped.
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