USADA announced today that Annie Atkinson, of Kent, Wash., an athlete in the sport of judo, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and has accepted a three-month suspension for her anti-doping rule violation.
Atkinson, 22, provided an out-of-competition urine sample on December 12, 2013, that resulted in an adverse analytical finding for Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide, Triamterene and its metabolite 4-hydroxytriamterene which are in the class of diuretics and other masking agents prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Judo Federation (IJF) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide, Triamterene and its metabolite 4-hydroxytriamterene are classified as Specified Substances, and therefore the presence of the substances in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
Atkinson’s three-month period of ineligibility began on December 12, 2013, the date her urine sample was collected. As a result of the violation, Atkinson has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to December 12, 2013, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all 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, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, 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.
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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