USADA announced today that Daniel Wade of Bluffton, S.C., an athlete in the sport of powerlifting, has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
“Through this anti-doping program, Powerlifting America has made a clear commitment to protect the integrity of the sport, the rights of clean athletes, and the well-being of all athletes,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring an independent and robust anti-doping program to the sport in collaboration with Powerlifting America.”
Wade, 59, tested positive for an anabolic agent as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at the 2025 Powerlifting America Classic and Equipped Age Division Nationals on June 1, 2025. Wade’s 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. The IRMS analysis results were consistent with the exogenous origin of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolites. Wade also declared the use of DHEA on his doping control form. USADA was contracted by event organizers to conduct testing and results management for the event and collected and analyzed Wade’s sample in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s International Standards.
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 and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Powerlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Wade purchased and used an over-the-counter DHEA dietary supplement product but failed to assess the prohibited status of the ingredients listed on the supplement label prior to use. Under the applicable rules, Wade was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Wade’s two-year period of ineligibility began on June 27, 2025, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Wade has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 1, 2025, 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, coaches, and medical professionals 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.