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Kuwait’s Nasser Alruwayeh’s Doping Ban Dropped to Two Years: “I have never broken the rules”

November 9, 2022 by
Photo Credit: Nasser Alruwayeh (@ nasseralruwayeh)
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Kuwait’s Nasser Alruwayeh’s doping ban has been reduced from four years to two, after he proved he did not knowingly take performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), he said. 

“The supplement I took was mislabeled. I did not knowingly take the banned substance,” Alruwayeh said. “The ban was reduced because I was able to prove beyond any doubt that I did not knowingly take the banned substance and that the supplement I took was mislabeled.”

Alruwayeh qualified for the 2022 CrossFit Games but did not compete after he tested positive for GW1516 (also known as cardarine and endurobol), a metabolic modulator. 

“I have been competing in sports and athletics since I was a child,” he told Morning Chalk Up. “Being an athlete is my identity. I have never broken the rules and I have a good reputation. I would never knowingly do anything that would risk hurting our sport or our reputation as a community.”

He added that he is grateful to CrossFit, as they helped him through the appeal process. Even with their guidance “the process was hard and emotional”. 

In the meantime, he was receiving messages online. 

“When the suspension was announced, people that know me or have followed me throughout my journey in sport, reached out to show their support,” Alruwayeh said. 

“At the same time, many people who do not know me personally or got introduced to me after this announcement, attacked me online without even waiting for the result of my appeal.”

Facing two years away from the sport is tough.

“I feel disappointed and sad. But also hopeful as I will continue to train hard so I can get back on track as soon as the sanction is lifted.”

Alruwayeh is the first Arab athlete to qualify for the Games through the Semifinals. 

“My family, coach, team and the Arab nation is waiting for me to make the best come back and represent them on the field. As a gym owner, I have a community of more than 100 athletes that look up to me as their mentor, head coach and elite athlete.”

“Growing up, I have represented my country in sport to the best of my ability and I have made them nothing less than proud of my achievements,” Alruwayeh added. 

“Qualifying for the Crossfit Games was my ultimate goal. During my pursuit of this goal I received so much admiration and love and support from people in the entire Arab nation. I believed in myself. And they believed in me. I promised myself to qualify so I can inspire the new generation of Arab athletes, and I did.”

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