USADA announced today that Nicholas Pierce, of Virginia Beach, Va., an athlete in the sport of ski and snowboard, has accepted a three-year suspension for an anti-doping rule violation involving his possession (which includes purchasing a prohibited substance) and attempted use of a prohibited substance and attempted trafficking of a prohibited substance.
“This is a strong reminder that we all need to be vigilant and on guard for the perils of the internet and the easy way by which young athletes can access prohibited and dangerous substances,” said Travis T. Tygart, USADA CEO. “As parents, coaches, and others who support athletes, it’s essential that we all act to protect them as was thankfully done in this case, and it’s equally essential that this information is investigated by anti-doping authorities so those responsible are held accountable for jeopardizing safe and fair sport.”
In addition to education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from various sources, including tips (Play Clean Tip Center) and whistleblowers. USADA investigations can reveal evidence about the actions of coaches, athletes, and support personnel who have engaged in, instigated, facilitated, or encouraged doping.
This type of non-analytical information prompted an investigation into Pierce’s case, during which Pierce, 19 at the time, admitted to ordering Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) for his use and ordering ephedrine for his roommate. The only evidence of these violations initially came from Pierce. And before his order arrived, Pierce’s parent intercepted and discarded the package.
IGF-1 is a non-Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics, while ephedrine is a Specified Substance that is prohibited in-competition in the class of Stimulants. These substances are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Under Article 10.8.1 of the Code, an athlete who faces an anti-doping rule violation that carries a period of ineligibility of four or more years may receive a one-year sanction reduction if the athlete admits the violation and accepts the asserted sanction within 20 days of notification of the alleged anti-doping rule violation charge. Per the rule, Pierce qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise applicable four-year period of ineligibility.
Pierce’s three-year period of ineligibility began on October 3, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Pierce has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to December 31, 2023, the date he ordered the prohibited substances, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as 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 file and update athlete Whereabouts, 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 distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at playclean@USADA.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
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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