US Track & Field Athlete, Akor, Accepts Sanction For Violation
Press Release
Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 18, 2013) – United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Mary Akor of Gardena, Calif., an athlete in the sport of track & field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a two-year sanction for her doping offense.
Akor, 37, tested positive for Clenbuterol as the result of an In-Competition urine sample collected on December 16, 2012 at the Maraton Gobernador in Mexicali, Baja California. Clenbuterol is a prohibited Anabolic Agent under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.
Akor accepted a two-year period of ineligibility, which began on May 6, 2013, the date the laboratory provided notice of the positive sample to the IAAF. The IAAF, who collected the sample, referred the case to USADA for results management as Akor is a U.S. athlete. Akor has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained between December 6, 2012, the date her sample was collected, and November 5, 2013, the day she accepted her sanction, 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.
CONTACT:
Annie Skinner, Media Relations Manager
Phone: (719) 785-2046
E-mail: askinner@usada.org
