Belgian equestrian athlete Domien Michiels was disqualified from the Paris Olympics dressage competition after testing positive for a banned substance, dorzolamide, due to administering eye drops to his sick dog. The International Testing Agency (ITA) determined that this was an anti-doping rule violation, even though direct application to the eyes is considered a permitted route. Michiels accepted the disqualification, but the Belgium team’s results were not affected.
Michiels was found to have no fault or negligence in the doping violation, as he inadvertently ingested dorzolamide while treating his dog’s illness. Despite this, his individual results in the dressage Team Grand Prix event were disqualified. Michiels expressed acceptance of the decision and looks forward to continuing his equestrian career in the future.
This incident is not the first time an athlete has tested positive for banned substances in unusual circumstances. Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva and tennis player Jannik Sinner also faced doping allegations due to mix-ups with medication or treatment. Sinner’s case is currently under appeal, potentially resulting in a ban of up to two years.
