CrossFit Athlete Tests Positive for Performance Enhancing Drug Use From Contaminated Supplement

Sad story of Richard Bohlken, a high level CrossFit athlete (16th ranked man at the 2014 CrossFit Games) who tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine that his sponsors accidentally contaminated his pre- & post-workout supplements with unknowingly.

With the positive drug test, CrossFit is following through on their zero-tolerance drug-free policy, which means Richard Bohlken is banned from competition and can no longer compete at Regionals or have a chance to qualify the 2015 CrossFit Games. It is an important educational lesson to other athletes who take supplements to truly understand the message that it is their responsibility for everything they put inside their bodies, nutritional supplements included.

As a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist, this is exactly why I take a FOODS-FIRST approach whenever I provide nutrition counselling for the high level athletes I work with from the NHL, OHL, Worlds-level Canadian triathletes, varsity athletes, CrossFitters, and others. Although I regularly research and look up substances on the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) website for my clients, you can never be too careful or cautious when your athletic career, reputation, and livelihood are on the line. There is truly no substitute for proper nutritional fuelling and hard work, and consistent healthy eating delivers the greatest reward with the least amount of risk for serious athletes.

Take a look at this important video, and please share this story with someone you know to hopefully avoid this tragedy from happening again to another up-and-coming hard working athlete!