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U.S. Cycling Athlete Dylan Lima Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Dylan Lima, of Mission Viejo, Calif., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a four-year sanction for his violation. This sanction was subsequently reduced by one-year at the discretion of USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and in accordance with the rules, because Lima promptly admitted his violation and cooperated with USADA throughout the investigation.

Lima, 27, tested positive for the presence of an anabolic agent and/or its metabolites as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on July 14, 2017. His urine sample was analyzed using a specialized test that differentiates between anabolic-androgenic steroids naturally produced by the body and prohibited anabolic agents of external origin. The use of anabolic agents, such as testosterone, is 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 Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.

Although the athlete’s medical records showed that testosterone was contained within a prescribed medication he was using, Lima lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate in advance of using a prohibited substance that the medical need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies all four strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). It is also important to understand that a prescription in and of itself is not adequate evidence to authorize the use of a prohibited substance in sport.

Lima’s three-year period of ineligibility began on July 14, 2017, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Lima has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to July 14, 2017, 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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global 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.

Along with education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers. 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 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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