An anti-doping agency has issued a public warning to U.S. women’s soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo after she tested positive for a banned diuretic, a substance that she says she didn’t know was in premenstrual medication prescribed by her physician.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says it accepts Solo’s explanation, and U.S. Soccer says the warning will not prevent its first-choice goalkeeper from competing in the 2012 Olympics or any other competition.
Solo, 30, tested positive for canrenone in a urine sample taken last month, the USADA said this week.
Canrenone is a diuretic, a type of substance that could help athletes pass drug tests by diluting their urine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of this, diuretics sometimes are referred to as masking agents.
An investigation determined that the diuretic was part of a prescribed medication she was taking under a doctor’s care, the USADA said.
“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 released by U.S. Soccer. “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 said it “fully supports” Solo’s clarification that the positive test was “not related to performance enhancement in any way.”
“We fully cooperated with USADA during the disciplinary process to ensure it could be resolved quickly. Hope has accepted the public warning for her rule violation,” U.S. Soccer said.
Solo and the rest of the U.S. women’s soccer team are expected to begin training in the United Kingdom this week, ahead of this month’s Olympic Games. The team will begin with a match against France on July 25, two days before the games’ opening ceremonies, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Perhaps she has PCOS...perhaps it is none of our biz why she was taking medicine was legally precribed by her doctor; she knows about it now, and she has accepted the warning.
Seems to me: case closed.
Move on.
I think if you are taking a medicine for cramps, you do not much care or think it will have something in it illegal, you just want relief from the pain orrrrrr bloating. The end.
I made it through menstruation without any pills and so can Hope! Anyone who is really serious about being clean and appearing to be clean won't take even an aspirin!
You obviously have NO idea how much pain & discomfort some women go through then.
PMDD is a disabling disorder. To say that every woman is the same and can "cope" is unrealistic and ignorant.
and where did you get your medical degree?
Obviously she was trying to mask that steroid that makes you a better goal-keeper. I mean really, is a goalie really going to need performance enhancing drugs?
That is kind of a dumb statement... Of COURSE they need every edge they can get. At the top levels of the game, they train and work as hard ass anyone! That said, I think she was honest in this and was why she was cleared.
I'm no expert on this, but I believe one of the allegations in Baseball's doping scandals was that steroids will improve your reaction times, which would obviously be a big advantage for a goalie in soccer. That said, I also think this was just a honest mistake.
You clearly need to learn more about performance enhancing drugs. What athlete wouldn't benefit from increased strength, stamina and quicker recovery time from injuries??
@Jay and Bayousara- Neither of you have ever had cramps that make you double over in pain, and agony right?
Yay!!!!! Hope Solo's going to be the US women goalie!!!!! I can't wait for the Olympics.
The USADA is a bigger disgrace than any doped athlete.
@Dave – do you even know what PMDD is? Its premenstrual dysphoric disorder – a psychological condition similar to depression. It has nothing to do with cramps. Gotta love the WebMD crowd.
Oh please. Doctor visit=opportunity to get a "prescription" Females lie and cheat too! Wake up.
I still don`t understand why the Olympics doesn`t have medical staff where all people could go and see a doctor and get their meds from . Any problems ...go see the olympic doctor !
All I can say is that it's an utter tragedy that she isn't named "Hannah". Wait for it...
Hannah Solo.
Cute.
She is innocent. End of story. PERIOD!
So she tests positive and USADA hears she took prescribed medicine and says "Oh, okay. Be careful when you go to the Olympics, they may care."
Lance passes 500+ tests without a single failure and the USADA hears from several proven liars that he cheated and they drag him through the mud.
Nice consistency, guys.
I'd watch her pee in a cup.
C'mon. All guys and chicks who are batting for the other team would like to see her with her shirt off. She is hot.