USADA announced today that John Schiefer, of Union City, Calif., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a six-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. Schiefer was selected to submit a sample as a result of being among the top finishers in his event at the 2017 USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships in Rock Hill, S.C.
Schiefer, 46, tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolite hydroxyclomiphene as the result of an in-competition urine sample he provided on July 1, 2017 at the USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships. Clomiphene is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and 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 Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including the examination of medical records provided by the athlete, USADA determined that Schiefer’s positive test was caused by a medication prescribed in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician. The medical treatment was completed more than three months prior to the date of sample collection, which is consistent with the concentration of clomiphene and its metabolite in the athlete’s urine sample. Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, the World Anti-Doping Code requires athletes to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) before using a prohibited substance.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, an athlete’s period of ineligibility for using a prohibited substance may be decreased if the athlete lacks significant fault for the anti-doping policy violation. In this instance, USADA determined that Schiefer’s reduced degree of fault justified a reduction to six months.
Schiefer’s six-month period of ineligibility began on July 1, 2017, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Schiefer has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to July 1, 2017, 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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