USADA announced today that Michael Meacham, of Pennsburg, Pa., an athlete in the sport of triathlon, has accepted a one-year sanction after an anti-doping rule violation.
Meacham, 42, tested positive for methenolone and its metabolites, as well as exogenous boldenone, following an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on August 19, 2017. His urine sample confirmed positive for exogenous boldenone by analysis using a specialized test that differentiates between anabolic-androgenic steroids naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The use of anabolic agents 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 the International Triathlon Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.
During USADA’s investigation into the circumstances of the case, Meacham also admitted that, beginning in November 2013, he had periodically used additional prohibited substances. But because of the substantial assistance provided that led to the discovery and bringing forward of a criminal offense, Meacham’s one-year period of ineligibility was reduced from four years.
Meacham’s one-year period of ineligibility began on August 19, 2017, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Meacham has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to November 1, 2013, 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 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 proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
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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