USADA announced today that Byron Duhon, of Elk Grove, Calif., an athlete in the sport of Track & Field, has accepted a two-year suspension for an anti-doping rule violation based on his refusal to comply with the sample collection process.
Duhon, 53, refused to comply with the sample collection process for an in-competition doping control test on July 13, 2011 after being notified by a USADA Doping Control Officer at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Sacramento, Calif. Under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code, an athlete’s refusal to comply with the sample collection process when notified that he has been selected for doping control, constitutes a rule violation.
Duhon accepted a two-year period of ineligibility, which began on October 21, 2011 the day he accepted his sanction. As a result of the sanction, Duhon is also disqualified from all results obtained during the World Masters Athletics Championships, which began on July 6, 2011, as well as any other competitive results obtained subsequent to July 6, 2011, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all 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 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, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
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.
For more information or media inquiries, click here.