USADA announced today that William Porter of New Braunfels, Texas, an athlete in the sport of powerlifting, has received a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
“This case demonstrates the importance of Powerlifting America’s commitment to a robust anti-doping program with USADA, and the need to safeguard both athletes and the sport,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “The program will give athletes the knowledge and tools they need to compete clean, while also ensuring that those who choose to use performance-enhancing substances to get a competitive advantage are held accountable.”
Porter, 38, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected on January 27, 2024 at the 2024 Powerlifting America Bench Press National Championships, where he declared the use of testosterone during sample collection. USADA was contracted by event organizers to conduct testing and results management for the event and collected Porter’s sample in accordance with the WADA International Standard for Testing.
Porter’s urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), which is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio of urinary steroids and confirming their synthetic origin—in this case, testosterone or its precursors. IRMS is a powerful tool that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin. Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors.
All AAS are Non-Specified Substances in the class of Anabolic Agents and are prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Powerlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Porter was taking testosterone at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Porter chose not to pursue a TUE. Under the applicable rules, Porter was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Porter’s two-year period of ineligibility began on February 16, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Porter has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after January 27, 2024, the date of his positive test, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
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 (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.
For more information or media inquiries, email media@usada.org.