US Track & Field Athlete, Vessey, Accepts Public Warning For Rule Violation

Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 21, 2012) USADA announced today that Maggie Vessey of Beverly Hills, California, an athlete in the sport of track & field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance found in her medication and has accepted a public warning and loss of results for her rule violation.



Vessey, 30, tested positive for Canrenone as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected on September 4, 2012 at the IAAF World Challenge Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia. Canrenone is prohibited 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.



Canrenone is classified as a Specified Substance, and therefore the presence of Canrenone in an athlete’s sample can result in a reduced sanction. Vessey was taking a prescribed medication, in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician. The medication when metabolized resulted in the adverse analytical finding.

In addition to the public warning, Vessey has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained at the IAAF World Challenge Zagreb including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

"I took a prescription skincare product that was prescribed to me by my family practitioner, that I did not know contained a diuretic. As soon as I was notified of my positive test, I cooperated with USADA and provided them everything they asked for in order to demonstrate that I made an honest mistake, and that the medication did not enhance my performance in any way,” said Vessey. “I have since applied for a Therapeutic Use Exemption for this medication. I share in USADA's belief in clean sport, and look forward to the upcoming track season."



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.

http://www.usada.org/default.asp?uid=4134

Maggie Vessey (Soquel HS 2000; Cal Poly SLO 2005)