Jamaican swimmer gets one year ban after admitting doping violation

Jamaican swimmer Lia Forrester has been handed a one year ban after the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) determined she committed an anti-doping rule violation involving the stimulant ephedrine, but granted a reduction from a possible two year suspension.

Her period of ineligibility began on March 16, 2026, the date her provisional suspension was imposed. The 21 year old Forrester, who was represented by attorney Sayeed Bernard, returned the positive test from an in-competition sample taken on February 19 at the Walter Rodgers Swim meet in Kingston.

JADCO determined that while the breach was serious, Forrester admitted the violation at an early stage and waived her right to a hearing, factors which contributed to the reduced sanction.
The ruling also noted that although there was no finding of significant fault, the swimmer was deemed negligent for failing to properly research the medication she used.

Radio Jamaica Sports sources indicate the banned substance was inadvertently consumed through an over-the-counter flu medication.