The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that cycling athlete Flavia De Maria Oliveira Paparella, of Castro Valley, Calif., is entitled to a reduction in her suspension due to a change in the applicable rules. Paparella served almost three months of the six-month suspension that she accepted on October 16, 2020. The remainder of her period of ineligibility has been terminated.
Paparella accepted a six-month period of ineligibility under the then-applicable rules after testing positive for vilanterol in an in-competition drug test collected at the Tour of the Southern Highlands on March 1, 2020. USADA announced the violation on October 19, 2020.
Paparella accepted the sanction prior to the implementation of the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code (the Code), which is the latest version of the uniform set of anti‐doping rules that have been adopted by International Federations worldwide, including the International Cycling Union (UCI). Under Article 27.6 of the 2021 Code, which took effect on January 1, 2021, athletes may petition National Anti-Doping Organizations like USADA to consider a reduction in the period of ineligibility when the substance for which they are serving the period of ineligibility is removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Vilanterol, the substance Paparella tested positive for, is now permitted under the 2021 WADA Prohibited List when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended daily dosage.
On January 1, 2021, Paparella requested that USADA terminate the remaining portion of her period of ineligibility pursuant to Article 27.6. USADA granted Paparella’s request and ended her period of ineligibility as of January 4, 2021.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as 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 file and update athlete Whereabouts, 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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, including a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, an athlete handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
Along with education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers. USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by email at playclean@usada.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
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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