Ukrainian Athlete Mariana Shevchuk Receives Four-Year Ban for Anti-Doping Violation
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has imposed a four-year ban on Ukrainian Para powerlifting athlete Mariana Shevchuk for violating anti-doping regulations under the IPC Anti-Doping Code.
The sanction followed a hearing by the Independent Anti-Doping Tribunal, which has the authority to review and rule on alleged anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) under the Code.
Shevchuk tested positive for a prohibited substance in a urine sample collected in-competition on 22 June 2024, during the women's up to 55 kg event at the Tbilisi 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup. The substance detected was Meldonium, classified under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List as an S4.4 Hormone and Metabolic Modulator, which is banned at all times.
As a result, the IPC provisionally suspended the athlete on 30 July 2024, pending the case’s resolution. Shevchuk contested the proposed consequences and requested a hearing before the Independent Tribunal. Following the hearing, the Tribunal upheld the charges and imposed the full sanction sought by the IPC.
Consequently, Shevchuk is ineligible to compete or participate in sporting activities—except for approved anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs—until 29 July 2028. Her results from the Tbilisi 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup have been disqualified, including the forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes. Additionally, all results obtained between the date of sample collection and the start of her provisional suspension have been annulled, with the same consequences.
This was Shevchuk’s second anti-doping violation involving Meldonium. In 2016, the IPC Anti-Doping Committee Tribunal determined she had committed an ADRV but bore no fault or negligence. As a result, her latest violation was not classified as a "multiple violation" under the Code, which would have led to a longer period of ineligibility.
Under anti-doping rules, athletes are strictly liable for any prohibited substance found in their sample, regardless of intent, negligence, or fault.
As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the IPC remains committed to maintaining a doping-free sporting environment. The IPC Anti-Doping Code aligns with WADC principles and international standards, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to fair competition for athletes with impairments.