USADA announced today that Yamile Lugo, a Colombian athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a four-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. This sanction was subsequently reduced by two-years at the discretion of USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) based on Lugo’s prompt admission of the violation.
Lugo, 46, tested positive for testosterone, which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as a result of an in-competition urine sample she provided May 17, 2015, at the Gran Fondo New York. USADA was contracted by event organizers to conduct testing and results management for the event and collected Lugo’s sample in accordance with the WADA International Standard for Testing. Anabolic Agents are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing which has adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.
Upon notification of her positive test, Lugo promptly accepted responsibility for her violation and explained that prior to receiving notice from USADA, she was unaware the product that caused her positive test contained a prohibited substance. After a thorough review of the case, USADA accepted Lugo’s explanation; however, because a cursory examination of the product that caused Lugo’s positive test would have resulted in the discovery that it was prohibited in sport, and because she manifestly disregarded the risks associated with her use of that product, USADA determined that Lugo was ineligible for a reduction of the standard four-year period of ineligibility. Nonetheless, based on her prompt admission of the anti-doping rule violation, both USADA and WADA recognized that a reduced sanction was appropriate in this case and in accordance with article 10.6.3 of the Code, decreased Lugo’s period of ineligibility to two-years.
Lugo’s period of ineligibility began on May 17, 2015, the date on which her sample was collected. In addition, Lugo has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved in competitions sanctioned by the UCI or any Code signatory on and subsequent to May 17, 2015, 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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