USADA announced today that Yoelkis Aira, of Miami, Fla., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and has accepted a two-year sanction for his anti-doping rule violation.
Aira, 41, tested positive for Phentermine as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected on June 8, 2013 at the FRBA Stuart in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Phentermine is a prohibited Stimulant under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the rules of the International Cycling Union (UCI), both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Aira accepted a two-year period of ineligibility, which began on July 7, 2013, the date he last competed. As a result of the sanction, Aira is also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 8, 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.
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