The official reaction of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, after the suspension received by Ana Maria Bărbosu

In the press release, the FRG specified that the athlete can appeal the decision. It is also stipulated that the athlete will have the support of the federation, to the extent possible.

The communique of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation in the case of Ana Bărbosu

“The Romanian Gymnastics Federation took note of the official communication published by the International Testing Agency regarding the initiation of a procedure regarding a possible violation of the provisions of Article 2.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code in the case of the athlete Ana Maria Bărbosu, in connection with three situations of whereabouts failures.

The Federation considers it important to clarify that this procedure does not concern the detection of a prohibited substance, but the athlete's administrative obligations regarding the location and availability for out-of-competition anti-doping controls.

In accordance with the procedures provided by the international anti-doping framework, the athlete is currently under provisional suspension while the procedures related to this case are carried out. However, this procedural measure does not represent a final decision on the merits of the case, and the athlete benefits from all the rights provided by international regulations, including the full right to defense and appeal.

The Federation fully respects the work of the competent bodies and the integrity of the ongoing process. At the same time, he considers it essential that every athlete benefits from balance, institutional support and respect for procedural rights, without premature conclusions or labels.

During this procedure, the athlete is provided with administrative support, procedural coordination and appropriate institutional support, within the limits of federal powers and in strict compliance with applicable international regulations.

At the same time, this context highlights the increasing complexity of the administrative obligations associated with international high performance sport. Athletes permanently manage competitions, trips, camps and international programs held in an extremely rigorous anti-doping administrative framework. These situations represent a relatively new reality and require the permanent adaptation of communication, prevention and administrative support mechanisms.

Protecting clean sport requires not only strict compliance with international regulations, but also the development of a solid culture of education, prevention and responsibility in performance sport.

There is a very good collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency, and this collaboration will continue in the direction of strengthening the components of education, prevention and administrative support for performance athletes.

Sports performance must be supported by responsibility, prevention and real support mechanisms for athletes, both in sports training and in managing the administrative obligations associated with modern international sport,” the federation's press release said.