USADA announced today that Emily Oberst of Hartland, Wis., an athlete in the sport of wheelchair basketball, has accepted a public warning for failing to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) prior to her use of an otherwise prohibited medication.
Oberst, 28, tested positive for canrenone, a metabolite of spironolactone, as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on August 6, 2026. Spironolactone is a Specified Substance in the class of Diuretics and Masking Agents and is 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 Wheelchair Basketball Federation Internal Regulations, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Oberst’s violation resulted from her use of a prescription acne medication that she used under the care of a physician for a diagnosed medical condition. She has since received a TUE to authorize future use of this medication in sport. Because Oberst’s positive sample from August 6, 2026 was collected out-of-competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify.
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.
