Posted: May 23, 2006

Drugs in Sport: U.S. Track & Field Athlete Receives One Year Suspension For Doping Violation

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Rickey Harris of Centreville, Va., an athlete in the sport of track and field, tested positive for a prohibited substance and received a one-year suspension for his first doping offense.

Harris, 24, tested positive for an amphetamine, a prohibited stimulant, at the Adidas Track Classic May 22, 2005 in Carson, Calif. Amphetamines are prohibited under the rules of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), the international federation for the sport of track and field, and USADA, both of which adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List.

Following a hearing before the American Arbitration Association/North American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/NACAS), it was determined that Harris was not significantly at fault for the violation, which justified the reduction in the period of ineligibility under the applicable rules. Harris’ one-year period of ineligibility commenced May 22, 2005 and concluded May 21, 2006. Additionally, all competitive results achieved by Harris between May 22, 2005 and August 31, 2005, including his fourth-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2005 Adidas Track Classic, have been disqualified. USA Track & Field carried out the sanction.

Although amphetamines are prohibited substances under the applicable rules, an athlete who provides documentation in advance of competition, confirming the diagnosis of a valid medical need for an amphetamine, may receive an exemption allowing the use of the substance. It was determined that Harris’ positive test was a result of a prescription medication; however, he did not have a prior exemption to use the prohibited substance.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

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