by Larry Eder
US Track & Field Athlete, Gay, Accepts Sanction For Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 2, 2014) – USADA announced today that Tyson Gay of Winter Garden, Fla., an athlete in the sport of track & field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a loss of results dating back to July 15, 2012 and a one-year suspension for his anti-doping rule violation.
Gay, 31, tested positive for the presence of an exogenous androgenic anabolic steroid and/or its metabolites which was confirmed by CIR (GC/C/IRMS) analysis, as the result of two out-of-competition and one in-competition urine samples collected by both USADA and the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF). Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Since all three samples were tested in short succession prior to notification of the first positive result, the three adverse analytical findings, under the rules, are treated as one offense.
Upon receiving notification of his positive tests from USADA, Gay voluntarily removed himself from all competition prior to the 2013 World Championships and has not competed since that time. On the same day that Gay was notified of his positive test result, he agreed to assist USADA in its investigation of the circumstances of his positive tests. Gay provided substantial assistance as outlined in the WADA Code including being interviewed on several occasions by USADA and providing all of the products he was using at the time of his positive tests.
“We appreciate Tyson doing the right thing by immediately withdrawing from competition once he was notified, accepting responsibility for his decisions, and fully and truthfully cooperating with us in our ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his case,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart.
Gay accepted a one-year period of ineligibility which began on June 23, 2013, the day his sample was collected at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. For providing substantial assistance to USADA; Gay was eligible for up to a three-quarter reduction of the otherwise applicable two-year sanction under the Code (or a six-month suspension). Gay’s sanction is subject to appeal by the IAAF and by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Gay has also been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to July 15, 2012, the date he first used a product that contained a prohibited substance, including the forfeiture of all medals, points, and prizes. Gay has already returned his Silver Medal in the men’s 4x100m relay from the 2012 London Olympic Games, which is now in the possession of the United States Olympic Committee.
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.
(Editor’s note: This has been one of the quietest story-lines of the past year. Gay accepted his ban and took responsibility for his actions immediately, and withdrew from 2013 World Champs. )
