Raoni Monteiro tests positive for performance enhancing drugs

Raoni Monteiro used performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) during the Billabong Pipe Masters last year. 

The WSL has suspended Raoni from all competition for 20 months after testing positive to PEDs. He was tested during the 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters and, while ruled “unintentional” and prescribed by a physician, was in breech of the Anti-Doping Policy.

An investigation has been underway since the December 12 random test and the WSL Discipline Director decided he won’t pull on a jersey again until August 12, 2016.

“I made an honest mistake,” Raoni said, “but there are rules to follow and I broke them. I am looking forward to working hard with the time out of competition, getting back to my best and competing again next year.”

The WSL published a press release announcing the suspension: “Subsequent investigations by the WSL Discipline Director have received full cooperation from Monteiro and his representatives.”

“The investigation, inclusive of discussion with the athlete, determined that while the use of a Prohibited Substance was ‘unintentional’ and prescribed by a physician, Monteiro still violated the WSL Anti-Doping Policy.”

The WSL introduced a random drug test program to the tour in 2011, and selection is completely random. But you’d remember the last PEDs ruling was in 2005 when Neco Padaratz tested positive for anabolic steroids. This time around the WSL cannot comment on what exact substance were taken.

The Billabong Pipe Masters was going to be Raoni’s last event on the elite tour after finishing the year as the lowest placed surfer, unable to finish higher than a 25th in any event.