USADA announced today that Catarina Guimarães, 18, of Cranford, N.J., a Para athlete in the sport of Paralympic track and field, has accepted a public warning for her receipt of an intravenous infusion greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period on May 19, 2022 and on June 16, 2022.
After a thorough investigation, USADA determined that Guimarães received the infusions to treat persistent medical issues; however, she did not meet the criteria for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Although no prohibited substances were administered, the treatments constituted a violation because she did not receive the intravenous infusions in the course of hospital treatments, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigations as permitted by the rules.
Because Guimarães’s violation occurred 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 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 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 (www.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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