USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of weightlifting athlete Chase Zilcosky of Sumterville, Fla. After an evidentiary hearing on June 25, 2026, the arbitrator determined that Zilcosky, 22, will receive a two-year sanction after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Zilcosky tested positive for amphetamine as the result of a sample collected in-competition at the VIRUS Weightlifting Finals on December 4, 2025. Amphetamine is a non–Specified Substance in the class of Stimulants and is prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
The independent arbitrator concluded that Zilcosky had a prescription for amphetamine, declared amphetamine on his Doping Control Form during sample collection, and submitted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application prior to his positive test. Because Zilcosky was considered a Recreational-Level Athlete under USADA’s TUE Policy, he was only required to apply for a TUE after testing positive. However, the TUE application he submitted was incomplete and could not be processed. Although USADA notified him of the deficiencies and provided additional time to correct them, he failed to submit a complete application. Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the World Anti-Doping Agency International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE).
The default sanction in cases involving non–Specified Substances is four years, but after considering these factors, the independent arbitrator determined that a reduced sanction of two years was appropriate. Zilcosky’s two-year period of ineligibility began on December 19, 2025, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Zilcosky has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after December 4, 2025, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
The decision, as well as all other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
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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.
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