A New Zealand athlete has returned a positive test for the stimulant commonly known as DMAA, after reports over the weekend that nine Australian sportspeople also tested positive to the substance.
Drug Free Sport New Zealand chief executive Graeme Steel has confirmed the case but won't name the athlete or discuss any details about them.
DMAA, also known as dimethylamylamine or geranium oil, was included on the World Anti-Doping Authority's global list of banned substances at the end of last year and carries a maximum two-year penalty.
It appears in sports supplements but Steel says not knowing what's in a supplement is no excuse for athletes.
Steel says from next year DMAA will become a specified substance, which are those that can be taken inadvertently or through appropriate medical treatment rather than through deliberate cheating.
Steel says from 2011, if an athlete can prove they took DMAA inadvertently then they could receive a lesser penalty, and the challenge for authorities now is whether to apply the rules earlier.
