USADA announced today that Peter Park, of Champaign, Ill., an athlete in the sport of para track and field, has accepted a 21-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Park, 39, declared the use of an anabolic agent during a doping control session at the New York City Marathon on November 4, 2016. Park’s use of the declared exogenous anabolic agent was confirmed by carbon isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, through testing conducted on an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on November 22, 2016.
The use of any exogenous anabolic agent is 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 Paralympic Committee 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 Park’s positive test was caused by a prescribed medication that he 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.
Park’s 21-month period of ineligibility began on November 4, 2016, the date he declared the use of an anabolic agent. In addition, Park has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to November 4, 2016, 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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