What did Elton Jantjies test positive for?

This past weekend it came to light that Elton Jantjies had returned a positive result for a banned substance after being tested by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport in June while he was part of the Bok setup.

It has to be noted that Jantjies only briefly formed part of the Springboks training camps this year as he was called up after injury concerns within squad, with players regularly and randomly tested by SAIDs.

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Jantjies, who is now 33 years old, will wait to see what his B-sample shows after an A urine sample tested positive for clenbuterol. However, considering that the B-sample is taken from the same urine test, it’s very uncommon for the B-sample to show anything different.

So what is clenbuterol?

Some research suggests it is a fat-burning and asthma medication that also enhances stamina.

Most commonly it is known as a potent and long-lasting bronchodilator for asthma sufferers, but it is also listed as an anabolic agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency, having often been used by bodybuilders to get rid of fat.

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Jantjies now faces potential suspension, which could range up to four years, such as was the case when former Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi also tested positive for a banned substance on the eve of the 2019 World Cup.

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ELTON JANTJIES RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT

“It with no small amount of shock and sadness that I have to inform you that I received notification earlier this month, from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, that a urine sample that I had provided to them in June 2023, returned a positive test for a banned substance, Clenbuterol,” his statement reads.

“I have instructed legal representation to assist me in determining the source of the prohibited substance and I have instructed them to ask for my B Sample to be tested and to launch an inquiry into the possible causes for the positive test.

“At this stage I can say little more about the matter, save that I assure all my supporters that I have not and never will deliberately take a banned substance, and that I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.

“This is another setback in what has been a very volatile time for me, but I shall overcome this with the support of my family and friends. I know that there will be those out there who doubt my innocence, but I hope to prove you wrong, in due course. For those who support me, thank you.”

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