USADA announced today that Lisa Roberts, of Tucson, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of triathlon, has accepted a public warning for her anti-doping rule violation.
Roberts, 38, declared the use of an inhaler called Breo Ellipta, which contains the prohibited substance vilanterol trifenatate, during a doping control session at the Challenge Roth in Roth, Germany on July 9, 2017. Roberts also tested positive for the prohibited substance she declared after providing the in-competition urine sample. Vilanterol is a Specified Substance in the category of Beta-2 Agonists and prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, the Deutsche Triathlon Union Anti-Doping Code, and the International Triathlon Union 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 Robert’s positive test was caused by the prescribed inhaler she declared and was using in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician. 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. Roberts has since obtained a TUE for use of the inhaler.
In addition to a public warning, Roberts has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained at Challenge Roth, 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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global 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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