USADA announced today that Aleia Hobbs, of Baton Rouge, La., an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a six-month period of ineligibility after receiving an intravenous infusion greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period.
Hobbs, 30, declared the use of an intravenous infusion during out-of-competition sample collection on February 5, 2026. She explained that she received a saline infusion at her home that was greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period in an effort to self-treat flu-like symptoms. Hobbs did not qualify for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) under the criteria in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).
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 Policy, 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 infusion was over the permitted volume limit of 100 mL in a 12-hour period and was not received during the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedure, or clinical diagnostic investigation.
Hobbs’s six-month period of ineligibility began on May 19, 2026. In addition, Hobbs has been disqualified from any competitive results on and after January 29, 2026, 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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