Double Olympic champion Jade Jones avoids ban from Paris Games despite breaking anti-doping rules as UKAD clear British taekwondo star on 'very exceptional circumstances'

Double Olympic champion Jade Jones has avoided a ban from the Paris Games despite breaking anti-doping rules.

The British taekwondo star failed to provide a urine sample to officials who arrived at her hotel in Manchester in December 2023.

Jones was then provisionally suspended by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, throwing her participation in Paris into doubt.

However, the 31-year-old has been cleared to compete following an investigation which found she ‘bore no fault or negligence for her refusal or failure to submit to sample collection’.

UKAD said they were satisfised not to punish Jones on ‘very exceptional circumstances’, based on confidential medical records.

‘I didn’t grasp the situation I was in and what could happen,’ said Jones, who won gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016. ‘I gave a negative sample later that day, but it’s clear I made a mistake that morning.

‘What I understand now is not just the mistake I made, but the reasons it happened and that there could have been different consequences.

‘I want to thank UKAD for listening and seeing the circumstances and GB Taekwondo for their support. I’m grateful that my actions have been properly understood and that I can continue to compete.

‘Throughout this, I’ve not been able to share anything with those close to me, including my team-mates. That has been difficult, and I hope they understand.

‘I can assure everyone that I am totally committed to clean sport and remain fully focused on the Olympics.’

Jones was cleared to compete before the European Championships in May, when she won a silver medal, and she was then announced in Team GB’s squad for Paris last month.

But the fact she had been provisionally suspended earlier this year had been kept secret until UKAD published the outcome of the case on their website this week.

The case dates back to December 1, when she was met by testers in Manchester but signed a document saying she was unable to provide a sample due to having dehydration training before a weigh-in. Later that day, she provided a sample to a separate tester, which proved negative.

In the UKAD investigation, Jones’ explanation for not providing a sample was that she was ‘focused on competition day and stressed and panicked due to being behind in preparations’.

UKAD’s ‘no-fault’ ruling was on the basis of a report by a psychiatrist, who confirmed that her ‘decision to refuse or failure to provide a sample occurred as a direct result of her cognitive impairment’, related to her unspecified medical condition.

Paul Buxton, CEO of GB Taekwondo, added: ‘GB Taekwondo commends UKAD’s thorough process, respects the outcome and reaffirms that we have every confidence in Jade.

‘She’s been clear about what happened on that day, candid when sharing the conditions which affected her decision-making and provided a negative sample later that afternoon.

‘Jade accepts UKAD’s decision and is fully committed to clean sport.

‘Anti-doping measures are vital, and GB Taekwondo has a comprehensive education plan for all its athletes.

‘Since this case arose, we have checked our processes and again reminded our athletes and staff of the rules and their responsibilities.

‘We thank UKAD for their work, the medical experts for their detailed assessments, and Jade for her commitment to the process, with all of its challenges.’