Posted on July 9, 2012
By Michael Lewis
TropiGol.com Editor
U.S. standout goalkeeper Hope Solo received the equivalent of a public yellow card on Monday, when the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency gave her a public warning for testing positive for a prohihited substance.
Solo, who considered the best women’s goalkeepers in the world and who expected to be a key role in the U.S.’s Olympic gold medal starting later this month, tested positive for Canrenone. The test was the result of an out-of-competition urine sample collected on June 15.
Since Canrenone is classified as a specified substance, according to the USADA, the presence of the drug can result in a reduced sanction. The 30-year-old Solo will be allowed to participate in the Summer Games in London.
Solo accepted a public warning for the rule violation. She said she took a medication prescribed by her personal physician for pre-menstrual purposes.
“I took a medication prescribed by my personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes that I did not know contained a diuretic,” Solo said in a statement. “Once informed of this fact, I immediately cooperated with USADA and shared with them everything they needed to properly conclude that I made an honest mistake, and that the medication did not enhance my performance in any way. As someone who believes in clean sport, I am glad to have worked with USADA to resolve this matter and I look forward to representing my country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.”
U.S. Soccer issued a statement explaining its role in the matter.
“We fully cooperated with USADA during the disciplinary process to ensure it could be resolved quickly,” a statement said. “Hope has accepted the public warning for her rule violation. U.S. Soccer, Hope and the rest of the Women’s National Team staff and players are looking forward to continuing preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London.”
Losing Solo for any span of time would be devastating for the U.S., which needs her expertise and experience to backstop a sometimes shaky defense.
Photo: Hope Solo accepted a public warning for using a specified substance, Canrenone. Andy Mead/YCJ
Categories: North America, Olympic Qualifying, U.S.A.
Tags: Hope Solo, Pia Sundhage. 2012 London Olympics, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
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