USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has issued a decision in the case of para cycling athlete Aaron Keith of Woodinville, Wash. After an evidentiary hearing on August 2, 2024, where both parties were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Keith would receive a four-month sanction after testing positive for an anabolic agent of exogenous origin during out-of-competition tests on January 17, 2024 and February 29, 2024.
Anabolic agents are non-specified substances and are 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 Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After the hearing, the arbitrator determined that Keith’s positive test was more likely than not caused by consuming a contaminated product, which qualified him for a reduced period of ineligibility. Keith’s four-month period of ineligibility began on April 19, 2024, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Keith has been disqualified from all competitive results from January 17, 2024 through April 19, 2024, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
Because this hearing was held on an expedited basis to have the matter resolved before the team naming deadline for the 2024 Paralympic Games, the arbitrator issued an operative award, which is an abbreviated document that only conveys the arbitrator’s ruling. The operative award can be found here, and the reasoned decision will be made publicly available at the same location once it is rendered.
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 (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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