SCOTTISH athlete Luke Traynor has apologised for testing positive for cocaine – and fears he has “ruined” his career.
The cross-country and 10km runner, 26, posted a message on Twitter revealing he had been charged by the UK Anti-Doping Agency after a sample included traces of the Class A illegal drug.
The Glasgow star admitted taking the drug, and plans to co-operate fully with the doping authorities and accept any punishment pending a full hearing of the case.
Traynor, winner of the 2017 Manchester Half Marathon, says he faces being banned for four years for this “one senseless act”.
He wrote: “I’ve made an incredible stupid and uncharacteristic mistake and for that I am deeply sorry.
“I am sorry to my family, friends, coaches, sponsors and anybody who has supported my progress at any stage of my career.
“I want to make it completely clear that my violation was in no relation to sport or enhancing performance.
Athletics is passion. It’s all I think about and it’s what gets me out of bed. I’m yet to come to terms with the fact that I have ruined this for myself with one senseless act.
Luke Traynor
“This happened as a one-off and in a purely social situation with a drug I should never had taken.
“I have co-operated fully with all relevant bodies and will now face the severe consequences, the extent to which is still not certain but could be up to a four-year ban.
“I live a sporting lifestyle to compete. Athletics is passion.
“It’s all I think about and it’s what gets me out of bed each morning.
“I am yet to come to terms with the fact that I have ruined this for myself with one senseless act.
End Of The Line
Cocaine use is reaching epidemic levels in Britain, with the UK branded the ‘Coke capital’ of Europe.
Use has doubled in the last five years, and with young people the numbers are even worse.
A staggering one in five 16-to-24-year-olds have taken cocaine in the last year.
That’s why The Sun has launched its End Of The Line campaign, calling for more awareness around the drug.
Cocaine use can cause mental health problems such as anxiety and paranoia, while doctors have linked the rise in cheap, potent coke to an increase in suicide rates.
People from all walks of life, from builders and labourers to celebrities like Jeremy McConnell – who is backing our campaign – have fallen foul of its lure.
It’s an issue that is sweeping the UK and, unless its tackled now, means a mental health crisis is imminent.
“Over the last three weeks, I have had the time to reflect on just how much this has and will continue to affect my life.
“I do not seek sympathy, I have accepted my mistake and need to fully come to terms with the final punishment.
“I only ask that people understand that this was a stupid mistake, had nothing to do with trying to enhance performance and in fact, had the opposite effect.”
SunSports understands as a first-time offender he might only a receive two-year ban for the infringement not the maximum four years.
UK Anti-Doping declined to comment on an ongoing investigation.
An UK Athletics statement said: “Luke Traynor has been provisionally suspended from participating in athletics after being charged with having committed an anti-doping rule violation contrary to IAAF Anti-Doping Rule Article 2.1 (“Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample”).
“The provisional suspension was issued by UK Anti-Doping and is in accordance with IAAF Anti-Doping Rules.
“The individual now has the opportunity to respond to the charge against him including the right to a full hearing of the case.”
Where to go for help
FRANK
Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
ADDACTION
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Help4Addiction
Help, support and advice for those affected by addiction
Change, Grow, Live
Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues
Dedicated help for people under 25.
SANE
Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
Action on Addiction
Rehab and community addiction treatment
0300 330 0659
DrugFAM
Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
0300 888 3853
Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
