USADA announced today that Tyler Sundeen, of Simi Valley, Calif., an athlete in the sport of field hockey, has accepted a six-month sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Sundeen, 30, tested positive for ritalinic acid, a methylphenidate metabolite, as the result of an in-competition sample collected at the Cal Cup Tournament on May 27, 2023. He also declared the use of this substance during sample collection. Methylphenidate is a 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 Policies, and the International Hockey Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Sundeen was taking methylphenidate at the direction of a physician but lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). 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 WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician, Sundeen lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and his subsequent application for a retroactive and prospective TUE, reviewed by the independent USADA TUE Committee of expert physicians, was denied due to lack of sufficient medical justification. Under the applicable rules, Sundeen was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Sundeen’s six-month period of ineligibility began on June 16, 2023, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. Sundeen has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to May 27, 2023 including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
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 (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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