USADA announced today that Crystal Riggs, of Camarillo, Calif., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a six-month sanction for her violation.
Riggs, 27, tested positive for the prohibited substance furosemide as a result of an in-competition urine sample she provided on May 7, 2016, at the USA Weightlifting National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah. Furosemide is a substance in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents that is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (the Protocol), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) National Anti-Doping Policies (USOC NADP), and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including Riggs’ medical records, USADA has accepted her explanation that the furosemide was a prescribed medication she was taking in a therapeutic dose under the care of a qualified physician, however without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Riggs’ period of ineligibility began on June 10, 2016, the date she accepted a provisional suspension. In addition, Riggs has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to May 7, 2016, the date her positive sample was collected, 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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