by Larry EderThis is just another example of how one must know everything that an elite athlete is putting into their body…
US Track & Field Athlete, Camarena-Williams, Accepts Sanction For Rule Violation
Colorado Springs, Colo. (October 4, 2013) – USADA announced today that Jillian Camarena-Williams of Tucson, Ariz., an athlete in the sport of track & field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance after using a prescribed medication, and has accepted a six-month sanction for her rule violation.
Camarena-Williams, 31, tested positive for Clomiphene as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample collected on July 1, 2013. Clomiphene is a prohibited hormone 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 (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Clomiphene is classified as a Specified Substance, and therefore the presence of Clomiphene in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction.
After a thorough review of the case including medical records, USADA has accepted Camarena-Williams’ explanation that the Clomiphene was not being used in an effort to enhance her performance and that she was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician.
Although Clomiphene is prohibited under the applicable rules, an athlete who provides documentation confirming the diagnosis of a valid medical need, may receive a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”). After Camarena-Williams was notified of her positive test, she applied for and was granted a TUE for Clomiphene. Under the applicable rules, athletes are to have obtained a TUE prior to using prohibited substances in order to avoid an anti-doping rule violation.
“This past June, after being unable to compete due to injury, my husband and I decided to start a family,” said Camarena-Williams. “Shortly thereafter I began taking a prescribed fertility medication called Clomiphene under the care of my doctor. Since being advised of my positive test, I have cooperated fully with USADA and the IAAF and have now been granted a TUE for this medication. While I hope to one day return to training and competition, at this time my husband and I are focused on starting our family. With all my heart I believe in USADA’s and IAAF’s clean sport policies, and I thank them for the hard work they do for our sport.”
Camarena-Williams’ six-month period of ineligibility began on July 1, 2013, the day the sample was collected. In addition Camarena-Williams has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to July 1, 2013, 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.
