USADA announced today that Sarah Heinzl, of Tucson, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of wheelchair basketball, has accepted a public warning following her voluntary disclosure of an anti-doping rule violation.
Heinzl, 27, declared the use of a supplement containing the prohibited substance higenamine (but listed on the ingredients label under a different name) during an out-of-competition test on June 9, 2017. The results of that out-of-competition test were negative. Before being notified of the results of her test, Heinzl contacted USADA to report that, upon further investigation, she had discovered that the supplement she declared on her doping control form contained the prohibited substance higenamine. Subsequent testing of the supplement confirmed the presence of higenamine.
Higenamine is a Specified Substance in the class 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 AntiDoping Policies, and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
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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