USADA announced today that Brett Perry, of Midvale, Utah, an athlete in the sport of speed skating, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a nine-month suspension for his offense.
Perry, 21, tested positive for Methylphenidate and its metabolite, Ritalinic Acid, as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at the U.S. Olympic Trials on December 28, 2013. Methylphenidate is a stimulant prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Skating Union (“ISU”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Methylphenidate is classified as a Specified Substance, and therefore the presence of that substance in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
Perry was taking medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician and although he disclosed that information during the sample collection, he did not follow the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements prior to competing.
Perry’s nine-month period of ineligibility began on December 28, 2013, the date the sample was collected. As a result of the violation, Perry has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to December 28, 2013, 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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