USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has issued an operative decision in the case of bobsled athlete Manteo Mitchell of Asheville, N.C. After an evidentiary hearing on August 14, 2025, where both parties were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Mitchell’s violation was unintentional and that he would receive a two-year sanction as the result of testing positive for 18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-2α-methyl-5α-androst-13-en-3-one, a metabolite of oxymetholone and/or methasterone, during an out-of-competition test on February 2, 2025.
Oxymetholone and methasterone are non–Specified Substances in the category 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 Policies, and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
In the operative award, the arbitrator concluded that Mitchell proved it was more likely than not that his violation was unintentional, which qualified him for a reduced period of ineligibility. However, the arbitrator also determined that while Mitchell presented evidence of the source of his positive test, he ultimately failed to establish that his positive test was caused by consuming a contaminated product.
Mitchell’s two-year period of ineligibility began on March 3, 2025, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Mitchell has been disqualified from all competitive results on and subsequent to February 2, 2025, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
Because this hearing was held on an expedited basis to have the matter resolved before a mandatory national team camp, the arbitrator issued an operative award, which is an abbreviated document that only conveys the arbitrator’s ruling. The operative award can be found here, and the reasoned award will be made publicly available at the same location once it is rendered.
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.
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