USADA announced today that Felipe Pena, of Vila Castela, Nova Lima – MG, Brazil, an athlete in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a one-year sanction for his doping offense.
Pena, 23, tested positive for testosterone, which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as a result of an in-competition urine sample he provided on June 1, 2014, at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (“IBJJF”) World Jiu-Jitsu Championships held in Long Beach, Calif. Although the IBJJF is not a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code (the “Code”), USADA was contracted by IBJJF to conduct testing for the event and collected Pena’s sample in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency International Standard for Testing. Anabolic Agents are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, which has adopted the Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. IBJJF has agreed to impose the sanction.
After a thorough review of the case, USADA accepted Pena’s explanation that his positive test was caused by his use of a testosterone cream provided to him by a healthcare provider. Pena also provided substantial assistance as outlined in the Code. For providing substantial assistance to USADA, Pena was eligible for a reduction of the otherwise applicable two-year sanction under the Code.
After considering all the relevant circumstances, including Pena’s substantial assistance, USADA determined that a one-year period of ineligibility was the appropriate outcome in this case. Pena’s sanction began on June 1, 2014, the day the sample was collected. In addition, Pena has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved in competitions sanctioned by the IBJJF or any Code signatory on and subsequent to May 31, 2014, the date of his first match at the 2014 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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