USADA announced today that Michael Gingras, of Milwaukie, Ore., a coach in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a 12-year sanction for engaging in prohibited doping conduct.
Non-analytical evidence obtained by USADA indicated that between October 2015 and May 2016, Gingras, 31, possessed, trafficked, and administered testosterone, which is a prohibited anabolic agent, and also possessed and trafficked LGD-4033, a prohibited selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), to an athlete. Possession, trafficking, and administration of performance-enhancing substances are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Policy, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Following a thorough investigation, USADA notified Gingras of its findings, at which time, Gingras admitted to his doping conduct. Due to Gingras’ substantial assistance and full cooperation with USADA officials since the start of its investigation, as well as his voluntary admission of his anti-doping rule violations, Gingras was eligible for a reduced sanction under the Code.
Gingras’ 12-year period of ineligibility began on January 16, 2017, the date he admitted to his doping violations. In addition, Gingras has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to October 16, 2015, the approximate date he first assisted an athlete in preparing to use a prohibited substance, 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, 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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