USADA announced today that Alejandra Echeverri, of Miami, Fla., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 12-month period of ineligibility for anti-doping rule violations.
Echeverri, 34, tested positive for chlorothiazide and related metabolites as a result of an in-competition urine sample collected on October 23, 2022. Chlorothiazide is a Specified Substance in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents and is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and International Cycling Union (UCI) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
USADA determined that Echeverri’s positive test resulted from her use of hydrochlorothiazide, which she obtained over the counter in another country to self-treat a medical issue. However, Echeverri never consulted with a medical doctor and used the medication without a prescription. Echeverri did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which is required in order to authorize the use of a prohibited substance in sport.
Echeverri also declared the use of an intravenous infusion received on October 21, 2022 during her October 23 sample collection. USADA’s investigation revealed that Echeverri received an intravenous infusion of saline solution and vitamins with no prohibited substances at an infusion clinic in a volume greater than 100 mL in a 12-hour period without a TUE.
As a Specified Method, intravenous infusions or injections in a volume greater than 100 mL within a 12-hour period are prohibited at all times— except for those legitimately received during hospital treatments, surgical procedures, or clinical diagnostic investigations— under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.
Intravenous infusions or injections in excess of 100 mL within a 12-hour period received in any other setting require an approved TUE. If a prohibited substance is administered intravenously or via injection, a TUE is necessary for this substance regardless of volume. Administration of IV infusions over the WADA volume limit, including dietary supplement and vitamin cocktails, provided to athletes for recuperation, recovery, or lifestyle reasons is prohibited at all times without prior TUE approval. In medical emergency situations, a retroactive TUE application pursuant to the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions is acceptable. Echeverri’s use of the over-limit IV did not qualify for a TUE. USADA has additional information regarding IV infusions available here.
Echeverri’s 12-month period of ineligibility began on February 7, 2023, the date she accepted the sanction. In addition, Echeverri has been disqualified from competitive results obtained October 21, 2022, through October 23, 2022, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
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, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
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 text at 87232 (“USADA”), 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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