USADA announced today that Damian O’Hara, of Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, an athlete in the sport of judo, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a suspension for his doping offense.
O’Hara, 34, tested positive for Methylclostebol and Promagnon as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample collected on September 21, 2013. Methylclostebol and Promagnon are considered prohibited substances in the class of Anabolic Agents under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Judo Federation (“IJF”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including inspection of the supplements being taken by O’Hara at the time of his sample collection, an independent laboratory analysis demonstrated that O’Hara’s positive test was most likely the result of his consumption of a supplement which was found to contain anabolic agents that were not listed on the product label. USADA regularly works to educate athletes on the potential risks associated with supplements and provides information on how to mitigate risk on our website http://www.supplement411.org.
After considering all the relevant circumstances, including the likelihood that O’Hara’s positive test was caused by his use of a contaminated or mislabeled supplement, USADA determined that a one-year period of ineligibility was the appropriate outcome in this case. O’Hara’s sanction began on October 21, 2013, the day he accepted a provisional suspension. In addition, O’Hara has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to September 21, 2013, 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.
For more information or media inquiries, click here.