Malaysian diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee has failed a doping test, and as a result will have to return the gold medals that she won at this year’s SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in August.
Both her A and B blood samples tested positive for the stimulant sibutramine, commonly used in slimming products, but on the banned list of substances by the governing body, World Anti-Doping Agency. The Star reports that she was present in New Delhi, India two weeks ago while her samples were opened and tested.
Wendy, 24-years-old, also represented Malaysia at the Rio Olympics, where she made the final in the 3-meter, individual dive competition.
While the secretary for the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) Mae Chen confirmed this morning that the result was positive for banned substances, further comments will only be made when president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim weighs in on the matter.
Malaysia will still keep its gold medal in the 3-meter individual springboard, as the second-place was another Malaysian competitor, who will now be awarded gold. Unfortunately, in Wendy’s other gold medal-winning event, the 3-meter synchronized, the runners-up were from Singapore. The country will now receive the gold.
Wendy’s ban could last up to two years, although ASUM may appeal for a lighter sentence. Sibutramine, although forbidden, is not regarded as serious an offense as anabolic steroids, or other performance enhancing drugs.
Tut tut. One less gold medal, Malaysia. And one more for our Causeway rivals, Singapore.
