USADA announced today that Shawnti Jackson, 19, of Wake Forrest, N.C., an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a public warning for failing to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) prior to her use of an iron (ferumoxytol) infusion she received under the care of a physician for a diagnosed medical condition.
Jackson forthrightly declared receiving an iron infusion on August 27, 2024 during an out-of-competition sample collection on September 28, 2024. Intravenous infusions and/or injections greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period are classified as Specified Methods and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough investigation, USADA determined that Jackson received iron infusions greater than 100 mL on four separate occasions between September 12, 2023 and September 3, 2024. Each infusion occurred under the care of a physician and occurred out of competition. Although no prohibited substances were administered, the treatment constituted a violation because it was over the permitted volume threshold and was not received during a hospital treatment, surgical procedure, or clinical diagnostic investigation. Jackson has since applied for and been granted a TUE to authorize future use of this treatment in sport.
Because Jackson’s violations occurred out of competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify.
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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