Alain Baxter has said that he does not "intend to conduct my defence through the media...and will not be making any further statement until the IOC have ruled on my case." With that in mind, we have tried to steer clear of rhetoric and focus on the known facts:

What is the charge?

The Scottish skier has tested positive for methamphetamine, an addictive stimulant which affects the central nervous system. Known as 'ice' or 'speed' on the street, this drug is more common in the Unites States and the Far East. The substance is a mood enhancer which gives the user feelings of euphoria and energy, making the person feel more alert and more energetic.

When is the hearing?

A three-member panel from the IOC's medical commission will take testimony from Baxter at a behind-closed-doors hearing in Lausanne on 15 and 16 March. The panel will then make its recommendations to IOC's executive board, which will rule on any sanctions. An announcement is likely on Monday 18 March.

How will Baxter defend his position?

Fiona McNeilly, operations director for the British Ski and Snowboard Federation (BSSF), has stated that the BSSF and the BOA will be backing Baxter's attempt to prove his innocence.

Baxter has denied “knowingly taking any medicine or substance to improve my performance”. However, IOC rules dictate that he has only three possible defences:

- If the B sample contradicts the A sample (almost unheard of)
- If he can prove there was an error in the testing procedure
- If he can prove he took methamphetamine without knowing, such as by a malicious act

Sources suggest that Baxter and the BSSF will claim that the source of the drug was a Vicks Inhaler used to relieve congestion and it was taken unknowingly. Baxter has a history of congestion problems and has used inhalers before, but the American version is alleged to show up a trace of the prohibited substance.

Unfortunately, the IOC operate a 'strict liability' rule towards drugs, so the argument that Baxter took the substance inadvertently is unlikely to be accepted. Even Konrad Bartelski, the British Ski and Snowboard Federation's chairman of selectors, has conceded that it is 'very unlikely' the positive test will be overturned.

What are the possible consequences?

If Baxter's guilt is confirmed, he will almost certainly be stripped of his medal - Britain's first-ever in Olympic Alpine skiing.

The 28-year-old would also be banned from competition for two years - the IOC's recommended punishment for use of amphetamines. In addition, the BOA's rules say anyone who fails a drug test is banned from the team for life.

Lottery funding would be withdrawn for Baxter, plus the possibility of additional funding for the sport will also be questioned.

What next for Baxter?

This week's hearing will effectively decide the direction of Baxter's future and perhaps even that of British skiing. The excitement of Britain's first ever alpine medal has now been long forgotten.

It's probably a mark of our country that Baxter made more headlines after the drug test than by winning the medal. Bartelski is angry at how Baxter has been pre-judged, "I think human beings deserve more respect...I'm very upset because nobody has the facts."

The facts will be known this week, but the simple truth seems to be that in a sport that requires intense levels of concentration on the piste, a small, yet foolish, mistake off it is likely to cost a reputation and promising career.

We can only hope that the IOC find some reason to accept ignorance as an adequate defence.

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