On Monday Swiss Sports Integrity (SSI) announced 55+ year-old age group triathlete Michele Caverzasio repeatedly violated anti-doping regulations and added 8 more years to his existing ban.

After being banned 3 years for possessing the human growth hormone Pharmatropin in 2022, SSI reports Caverzasio continued to order, possess and attempt to use Pharmatropin while banned in 2023.

The original violation occurred in October 2022, when a Swiss Post officer intercepted a package addressed to the Caverzasio containing four vials of Pharmatropin. A second incident in November 2023 saw officers seize another shipment addressed to him containing three more vials of the same prohibited drug.

During anti-doping court proceedings, Caverzasio claimed the 2023 shipment was a backordered delivery from his original 2022 purchase. SSI saw otherwise after investigators proved his claim false, confirming the athlete had repeatedly ordered Pharmatropin during his period of ineligibility.

The court agreed, finding Caverzasio guilty of new anti-doping violations. He is now banned from participating in sport in any capacity worldwide until 15 June 2034 and must pay fines of 1250 Swiss francs.

Human growth hormone (HGH) drugs, like Pharmatropin, stimulate the growth of bones and muscles, with endurance athletes claiming they increase lean body mass while dramatically improving performance. HGH drugs are prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Photo Credit: SSI

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