Jamaica's world under-20 double sprint gold medallist Briana N. Williams is now battling to save her reputation and a possible ban that could see her miss the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha after testing positive for doping. Photo: Reuters/LEHTIKUVA/File

Former Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Ato J. Boldon, right, has said he is ready for a hearing, expressing confidence that contaminated tablets led his Jamaican sprinter Briana N. Williams, left, to test positive for diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Photo: T&T Newsday/File

The Jamaica Gleaner reported on August 27, 2019, that the 17-year-old Williams had tested positive for the banned diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). HCTZ is banned because it can be used to mask the use of anabolic steroids. It is normally used to treat high blood pressure.

The Jamaica Gleaner further reported that on July 25, 2019, Williams and her team were advised of an adverse analytical finding in her 'A' sample from the National Senior Championships, where she placed third in the 100m in 10.94 sec­onds.

Under the World Anti-doping Agency and IAAF rules, Williams is facing the possibility of a maximum ban of four years if found guilty.

Banned substance was in cold medication- Williams’ camp claims

However, according to Reuters, Williams has denied any wrongdoing and her Canada-based lawyer Emir Crowne said the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) appeared to have been in an over-the-counter cold remedy she had purchased.

She had also declared the medication on her doping control form, he said.

"I can confirm that we have an independent test on an over-the-counter cold medication that the athlete took (that) confirmed the presence of a diuretic," Crowne said.

"The diuretic was not listed among the ingredients in that cold medicine that the athlete took.

"It is genuinely a case where I would suggest no fault at all for a situation that was beyond her control, and beyond anyone's control really."

The 17-year-old Williams, who is coached by the 4-time Olympic medallist, Trinidadian Ato J. Boldon, clocked a yet-to-be-ratified national junior record of 10.94 seconds to place third in the 100m final at the national senior trials in June but could now miss selection for the world championships in Doha.

The Jamaican team for the September 27-October 6, 2019 World Championships will be named on September 6, 2019.