USADA announced today that Jason Rybka of Sisters, Ore., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a 4-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. This sanction was subsequently reduced by eight months at the discretion of USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) based on Rybka’s prompt admission of the violation.
Rybka, 39, tested positive for methasterone, ostarine, androstatrienedione and its metabolite 5β-Androst-1-en-17β-ol-3one, as a result of a sample collected on April 11, 2015 at the Masters Weightlifting Championships held in Monrovia, Calif. Methasterone and ostarine are substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and androstatrienedione is a substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, all of which are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Policy, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the WADA Prohibited List.
Rybka’s period of ineligibility began on May 12, 2015, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Rybka has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to April 11, 2015, the date the sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
Upon notification of his anti-doping rule violation, Rybka promptly accepted responsibility for his actions and explained to USADA that his positive test resulted from his use of “dietary supplements.” Although USADA determined that the nature of the “dietary supplements” Mr. Rybka was using rendered him ineligible for a reduction of his sanction based on his degree of fault, in accordance with article 10.6.3 of the Code, USADA petitioned WADA for a reduction of Mr. Rybka’s sanction based on his prompt admission of the anti-doping rule violation.
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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