USADA announced today that Adane Anmaw Mengesha, of Oromia, Ethiopia, an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a five-year period of ineligibility for multiple anti-doping rule violations.
Mengesha, 22, declared the use of an amino acid solution delivered via intravenous infusion during sample collection at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in Washington D.C. on April 4, 2025, a USA Track & Field-sanctioned event where she placed second. In its investigation, USADA discovered that Mengesha received multiple infusions greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period between March 26 and March 30, 2025, which were prescribed by a doctor to treat a medical condition.
Intravenous infusions and/or injections totaling more than 100 mL per 12-hour period that do not meet specific exceptions are classified as Specified Methods 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 World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Although no prohibited substances were administered, the treatment constituted a violation because the infusions were over the permitted volume limit of 100 mL in a 12-hour period and were not received during the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedure, or clinical diagnostic investigation.
During USADA’s investigation in coordination with the Ethiopian Anti-Doping Authority (ETH-ADA), it was determined that although Mengesha had received a prescribed infusion to treat a medical condition, she committed a tampering violation when applying to ETH-ADA for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) because she submitted falsified documents purporting to show that the infusions had been administered at a hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As an Ethiopian athlete, the rules required Mengesha to submit her TUE application to ETH-ADA. This, coupled with the tampering violation, prolonged USADA’s investigation and the resolution of this matter.
Under Article 10.8.1 of the Code, an athlete who faces an anti-doping rule violation that carries a period of ineligibility of four or more years may receive a one-year sanction reduction if the athlete admits the violation and accepts the asserted sanction within 20 days of notification of the alleged anti-doping rule violation charge. Per the rule, Mengesha qualified for a one-year reduction to the otherwise asserted six-year period of ineligibility.
Mengesha’s five-year period of ineligibility began on November 5, 2025, the date she was provisionally suspended. In addition, Mengesha has been disqualified from any competitive results on and after April 4, 2025, 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.
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