Canadian curler Briane Harris has received a notable reprieve as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted her provisional suspension “with immediate effect,” concluding that she bears “no fault or negligence” in an anti-doping rule violation that occurred last year. The decision marks a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to return to the sport she cherishes.
“I cannot put into words how happy and relieved I am feeling right now,” Harris expressed on Tuesday. “I have been shaking all morning since receiving the news that I thought would never come. I am exonerated, and it feels so incredibly amazing. I am so excited to play the sport I love again, and I can’t wait to do so.”
Harris, who leads Team Kerri Einarson, tested positive for trace amounts of Ligandrol—a prohibited substance—on January 24, 2025. The results were disclosed on February 15 following an out-of-competition doping control test, sidelining her from play ever since. She asserted that her exposure to the banned substance was unintentional, occurring through bodily contact.
In Toronto, her legal representatives, Amanda Fowler and Emir Crowne, received the CAS statement on Tuesday morning. “The circumstances of this case are unique and unfortunate,” Fowler and Crowne remarked via email. “We are happy that Ms. Harris prevailed and can return to the sport she loves.”
The World Curling Federation confirmed that no penalties would be imposed on Harris, as it was determined she acted without fault or negligence. However, the CAS decision remains unpublished while under potential appeal.
Team Kerri Einarson, which secured a 10-1 victory over Team kayla Skrlik at the WFG Masters in Guelph, Ontario, expressed collective relief. “It’s such great news for Briane, I’m going to get emotional,” Einarson said, visibly moved. “But we’re super happy for her. I know this has been challenging for her.”
Ligandrol, banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for its anabolic, muscle-building effects, was at the center of the controversy. Harris’ B-sample also tested positive in March 2025, prompting a half-day remote hearing with the CAS on August 23.
In the 15-page CAS decision, Harris argued that she was unaware of her husband’s use of Ligandrol and did not suspect intimate contact could lead to contamination. The testimonies from both Harris and her husband were deemed credible,supporting her innocence.
During the provisional suspension, Harris faced a ban from competition, training, and interactions with her teammates and coach. Her eligibility for all Curling Canada events was reinstated immediately, as announced by Curling Canada on X (formerly Twitter). “We are pleased to welcome her back to competition and wish her the best in her future curling endeavours.”
This case, which unfolded on the eve of the national women’s championship last season, stunned the curling community—a sport where doping violations are exceedingly rare. Team Einarson, including val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard, and Krysten Karwacki, refrained from public comments, while Karwacki temporarily filled in as lead.
“we’re all very close,” stated coach Reid Carruthers. “We live and breathe everything together. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.This team has been together for a long time, and it’s been a journey this year to say the least.”
Karlee Burgess recently joined the team as an injury replacement for birchard. Einarson’s team, in a social media post, noted the “unimaginable stress” the case inflicted on Harris and her family, expressing relief at its resolution. They referred to the Masters as a “team dress rehearsal” for the nationals, with lineup decisions pending.
The CAS decision arrived just a month ahead of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay, ontario, for which Einarson’s team is pre-qualified. “It has been a tough 11 months for all of us not knowing what was going to happen, so we’re thankful we can all move forward with some clarity,” the team conveyed.
Einarson’s team also holds a berth in the Canadian Curling Trials in November, which will decide Canada’s representatives for the milan Olympics in February 2026. “We’re thrilled for Briane,” Carruthers emphasized. “it has been a very long journey for her and her family. There’s a lot of relief on that front.”
