USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) has rendered a decision in the case of cycling athlete Noslen Ruiz-Gutierrez of Miami, Fla. After an evidentiary hearing on November 28, 2022, where both Ruiz-Gutierrez and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator imposed a four-year sanction on Ruiz-Gutierrez for his anti-doping rule violations.
Ruiz-Gutierrez, 47, tested positive for dexamethasone, phentermine, 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE), 19-norandrosterone (19-NA), and an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at the Tour of South Florida on February 5, 2022.
His urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin—in this case, testosterone and/or its precursors. All AAS are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times.
Additionally:
- Dexamethasone is a Specified Substance in the class of Glucocorticoids and is prohibited in-competition when administered by specific routes
- Phentermine is a Non-Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition
- 19-norsteroids, including 19-NE and 19-NA, are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and prohibited at all times
These substances are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Ruiz-Gutierrez’s four-year period of ineligibility began on December 22, 2022, the date his sanction was imposed. In addition, Ruiz-Gutierrez has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to February 5, 2022, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
This decision, as well as other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as 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 file and update athlete Whereabouts, 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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at playclean@USADA.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
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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