The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has banned a surf lifesaving and athletics athlete from all sport for three years for the possession and trafficking of multiple banned substances.
On 30 September 2024, NZ Customs intercepted a parcel addressed to Morgan Foster containing tesamorelin, ipamorelin, BPC-157 and TB-500. These substances - a mixture of peptides, substances that increase growth hormone secretion and experimental substances - are banned in sport at all times.
Mr Foster admitted to breaching anti-doping rules and submitted that he had purchased the substances for another person intending to help them manage an injury.
The Sports Tribunal imposed a sanction of three years ineligibility based on the athlete’s early admission and the low level of seriousness of the trafficking violation.
Sport Integrity Commission General Counsel Paul O'Neil emphasised the threat to health posed by the substances involved. “It’s disappointing to see an athlete importing banned substances – even more so when the intention is to distribute those substances to a third party. Such actions can not only threaten the health of athletes but also compromise the integrity of sport.
“The misuse of banned substances can have serious health consequences for those who use them. That’s why the Sports Anti-Doping Rules exist, to protect those who play sport and ensure a level-playing field.
“We’re grateful for our ongoing partnerships with NZ Customs and Medsafe as we work to protect athlete health, integrity and the spirit of sport.”
Surf Life Saving New Zealand General Manager – Sport, Zac Franich, said; “We are disappointed to hear one of our members was found to have violated World Anti-Doping Agency rules. A fair playing field is a foundation of all sporting competitions, and we accept the findings reached by the Sports Tribunal.”
Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive Cam Mitchell said; “Athletics New Zealand thanks the Sport Integrity Commission for their ongoing work. Safety, fairness, and integrity are the foundations of our sport, and we support all efforts that help protect these values at every level of athletics.”
About the substances
Ipamorelin, 2mg, 1 vial. Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue, meaning it stimulates the body's production of growth hormone. Athletes and bodybuilders might misuse this unapproved substance to increase muscle mass, enhance recovery, and reduce body fat.
Tesamorelin, 2mg, 1 vial. Tesamorelin is also a growth hormone-releasing peptide. It's primarily used to reduce excess abdominal fat, especially in individuals with HIV. This substance may be misused in sport to promote lean body mass and enhance recovery
TB-500 & BPC-157, 20mg, 1 vial. TB-500 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide called Thymosin Beta-4. It's commonly used for its potential to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility. Athletes might misuse this unapproved substance in an attempt to speed up recovery from injuries and enhance overall physical performance.
Read more on the Sports Tribunal website
