USADA announced today that Gwen Berry, of Oxford, Miss., an athlete in the sport of track & field, has used a prohibited medication and accepted a three-month sanction for her rule violation.
Berry, 26, declared the use of an inhaler containing the prohibited substance Vilanterol Trifenatate, during an in-competition sample collection at the United States Track & Field (“USATF”) Indoor Track & Field Championships in Portland, Oregon. The results of that in-competition test were negative. Vilanterol Trifenatate is a Beta-2 Agonist, prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (the “Protocol”) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (“IAAF”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including Berry’s medical records, USADA has accepted her explanation that the Vilanterol Trifenatate, was not being used in an effort to enhance her performance and that she was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician.
Berry’s three-month period of ineligibility began on March 29, 2016, the date on which USADA received the results from her in-competition sample collection. In addition, Berry has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to March 11, 2016, including her American Record hammer throw at the Tuscan Elite Classic, as well as 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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