Penny Oleksiak Handed Two-Year Suspension for Whereabouts Violations

Canadian Olympic Champion Penny Oleksiak Suspended for Two Years Over Whereabouts Breaches

Canadian swimming star Penny Oleksiak , the most decorated Olympian in her country’s history, has received a provisional two-year suspension due to a violation of global anti-doping whereabouts regulations. Although her case involves no banned substances, missed reporting requirements triggered an automatic infraction under the World Anti-Doping Code, forcing her away from competition during a critical training window.

The suspension was imposed after Oleksiak reportedly failed to file required location details on multiple occasions. Under the rules, three missed whereabouts filings or tests in a 12-month period constitute an anti-doping violation. Oleksiak responded publicly, stating that the lapses were unintentional and reaffirming her commitment to clean and fair sport.

Training Disruptions and Injury Recovery

Since the Tokyo Olympic Games, Oleksiak has managed a challenging rehabilitation phase, undergoing two knee surgeries and recovering from a shoulder injury . In 2023, she relocated to Mission Viejo, California , joining an elite training program under coach Jeff Julian. The move and recurring injury breaks are believed to have made timely whereabouts updates more difficult to maintain.

How the Whereabouts System Works

Elite athletes are required to submit daily schedules, addresses and a one-hour testing window through ADAMS — the international anti-doping reporting portal . These filings enable surprise testing and uphold competition integrity. A missed update, even without drug involvement, is enough to trigger sanctions.

Exam-Point Notes

• Suspension based on whereabouts violations , not banned substances.

• Three missed filings/tests in 12 months = anti-doping rule breach.

• Reporting done through ADAMS global platform .

• Oleksiak is a seven-time Olympic medallist .

• Possible return before Los Angeles 2028 Olympics .