the reality is this substance wasn't technically illegal in the sport until THIS year. she was tested in January the FIRST month it had been added to the banned substances list.
Its always been sort of a sketchy drug, only readily available in certain parts of Eastern Europe and Russia.
that said I think it was a very obvious mistake and oversight. the fact that it was only recently banned and is something she took for so long makes me feel like she isn't very suspicious or 'guilty'.
Accidents happen. generally I'm harsh on dopers but I don't think Maria in this case can really be considered abusing performance enhancing drugs when the drug was technically sport legal up until the EXACT month that was was tested and found with it. its not like a year had passed and she was still using it
she deserves a slap on the wrist for not being more careful and for not paying attention to the fact that it had been added to the banned substances list. I think she deserves a few month ban and I think that is exactly what she'll get
this isn't some massive steroids bust or anything, its a small mistake
