USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) has rendered a decision in the case of weightlifting athlete Zachary Schober, of Lititz, Pa. After an evidentiary hearing on April 5, 2023, where both Schober and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Schober will receive a four-year sanction for testing positive for multiple prohibited substances.
Schober, 30, tested positive for amphetamine, methylphenidate and its metabolite, ritalinic acid, and GW1516 metabolites GW1516 sulfone and GW1516 sulfoxide, as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at the USA Weightlifting National Championships on July 1, 2022. Under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List:
- Amphetamine is a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition.
- Methylphenidate is a Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition.
- GW1516 is a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times.
Due to a violation of his provisional suspension, Schober’s four-year period of ineligibility began on April 17, 2023, the date his sanction was imposed. In addition, Schober has been disqualified from competitive results obtained on and subsequent to July 1, 2022, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
This decision, as well as other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
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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