USADA announced today that Sarah Robles, of San Tan Valley, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and received a two-year suspension for her doping offense.
Robles, 25, tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid and/or its metabolites, which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as the result of one out-of-competition and two in-competition urine samples collected by both USADA and the International Weightlifting Federation (“IWF”). Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the IWF Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. In accordance with the rules, since all three samples were collected in short succession and prior to notification of the first positive result, the three adverse analytical findings were treated as one offense.
Robles’ two-year period of ineligibility began on August 8, 2013, the date the IWF imposed a provisional suspension. As a result of the violation, Robles has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to May 31, 2013, the date the first 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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