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U.S. Triathlete Julie Rosiek Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation

USADA announced today that Julie Rosiek, of Colleyville, Texas, an athlete in the sport of triathlon, has accepted a two-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.

Rosiek, 50, tested positive for the presence of an anabolic agent and/or its metabolites as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample she provided on November 10, 2017. Her 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 Triathlon Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

After a thorough review of the available information, including Rosiek’s medical records, USADA accepted her explanation that the prohibited substance was contained within a prescribed medication she was taking in a therapeutic dose under the care of a qualified physician. However, Rosiek lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Although an athlete may be prescribed a prohibited substance by a physician, it is important to understand that a prescription in and of itself is not adequate evidence to authorize the use of a prohibited substance in sport. 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). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why the ISTUE requires that rigorous criteria be fulfilled, beyond merely providing a prescription.

Rosiek’s two-year period of ineligibility began on November 10, 2017, the date her positive sample was collected. In addition, Rosiek has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to November 10, 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, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, 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 e-mail 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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