One of the greatest Peruvian surfers in history, Miguel Tudela, was suspended for 16 months after testing positive for steroids following a routine examination conducted by the ITA.

The measure has already been fulfilled and therefore Tudela can freely compete in any event he wishes, The Inertia reported in a note published today based on information from the International Testing Agency (ITA).

The surfer told The Inertia: “During the proceedings, we presented all the evidence demonstrating a medical error in the plasma treatment I received, which resulted in unintentional contamination. The judge concluded that there was no intent or malicious conduct on my part and considered the evidence presented credible and sufficient.”

“However, according to current anti-doping regulations, even when an athlete is deemed not to have doped intentionally, they can still be sanctioned with a suspension. Under these regulatory criteria, the panel imposed a 16-month sanction, which had already been fully served at the time of the final ruling,” he added.

Basically, the results that took place between January 2024 and August 27, 2025 are nullified, with the exception of the World Championship in Puerto Rico in which the ISA and the ITA allowed him to compete.

The knee injury in question was very visible during Tudela's participation in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

Tudela described the process as a difficult period. “I have always fought for fair play and will continue to do so. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me and believed in me during this process, especially my sponsors and brands, whose support was crucial in moving forward and reaffirming that I never intentionally doped or sought to gain any advantage.”