June 19, 2017

USADA announced today that Ajee Wilson of Philadelphia, Pa., has tested positive for a prohibited substance, which was determined to have been ingested by her without fault or negligence.

Wilson, 23, provided a urine sample on February 11, 2017, at the NYRR Millrose Games in New York, NY. Her sample tested positive for zeranol. Zeranol is an Anabolic Agent prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Association of Athletics Federations, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

During its investigation into the circumstances that led to the positive test, USADA gathered evidence from Wilson, which included reviewing her dietary habits and food purchase receipts. USADA also took into consideration laboratory reports demonstrating low parts per billion concentrations of the prohibited substance in her urine, as well as the fact that she tested negative one week prior. USADA further relied on reports from multiple independent experts on zeranol in the food supply and environment, including the use of zeranol as a legal growth promotant in beef cattle in the US. Based on the totality of the evidence, USADA concluded it was highly unlikely that the presence of zeranol in Wilson’s sample resulted from a source other than zeranol contaminated meat.

As a result, Wilson will not face a period of ineligibility for her positive test, but her competitive results from February 11, 2017, including the American record she set at the 2017 NYRR Millrose Games, have been disqualified, and any medals, points, and prizes are forfeited.

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 psychoactive drugs. In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global 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, including foreign athletes competing, training, or living in the U.S. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.