USADA announced today that Robert Arello, of Sarasota, Fla., an athlete in the sport of track & field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance, after using a prescribed medication, and accepted a public warning for his rule violation.
Arello, 56, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected on August 29, 2015 at the Masters Throws Championships in Seattle, Wash. Hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide are Diuretics prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and International Association of Athletics Federations (“IAAF”) Anti‐Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide are classified as Specified Substances, and therefore their presence in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
After a thorough review of the case, including the examination of medical records provided by the athlete, USADA has accepted Arello’s explanation that the hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide were not being used in an effort to enhance his performance and that he was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician. USADA has since granted Arello a Therapeutic Use Exemption, authorizing his continued use of these substances while under USADA’s testing jurisdiction.
As a result of the violation, Arello has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to August 29, 2015, the date his sample was collected, 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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