U.S. Weightlifting Athlete Kaitlyn Jarrett Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Press Release
26th March 2018
U.S. Weightlifting Athlete Kaitlyn Jarrett Accepts Sanction for Anti-Doping Rule Violation Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 23, 2018) – USADA announced today that Kaitlyn Jarrett, of Palo Cedro, Calif., an athlete in the sport of weightlifting, has accepted a one-year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation.
Jarrett, 18, tested positive for Higenamine as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample she provided on December 14, 2017. Higenamine is a Specified Substance in the class of Beta-2 Agonists and 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 Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Following an investigation into the circumstances of her case, USADA determined that Jarrett was eligible for a reduced period of ineligibility due to her age and reliance on the advice of trusted family members that the supplement that caused her positive test did not contain any prohibited substances. In addition, Jarrett openly declared the supplement on her doping control form.
Research indicates that Higenamine may act as a general stimulant and may be found in some pre-workout, energy, or weight-loss products. Even low risk supplements may be riskier than they appear (https://www.usada.org/low-risk-supplements-riskier-than-appear/). As such, USADA reminds athletes to check supplement labels for Higenamine (also known as norcoclaurine) or Higenamine plant-based sources (Aconite, Annona squamosal, Nandina domestica, Tinospora crispa, and others).
Jarrett’s one-year period of ineligibility began on December 14, 2017, the date her positive sample was collected. Jarrett has also been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to December 14, 2017, 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.
