USADA announced today that Ricky Kim, of Fresno, Calif., an athlete in the sport of para judo, has accepted a two-year period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Kim, 47, tested positive for testosterone and its metabolites as the result of a sample collected out of competition on April 17, 2024. Kim’s sample was analyzed using a specialized test known as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) that unequivocally differentiates between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) naturally produced by the body and AAS of synthetic origin. The IRMS results were consistent with the exogenous origin of testosterone and its metabolites.
Testosterone is a non–Specified Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents and is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Blind Sports Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After investigating, USADA determined that Kim was using testosterone at the direction of a physician, but he lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the medical need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies the strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why criteria must be fulfilled beyond merely providing a prescription.
The results management process was lengthy in this case because Kim requested additional time to gather documentation for his TUE application, which ultimately did not satisfy the stringent eligibility requirements under the ISTUE. USADA agreed to Kim’s requests for more time because he remained provisionally suspended while the case was pending, so he was not allowed to compete. Kim also requested a hearing before an independent arbitrator before he eventually accepted a two-year sanction. Under the applicable rules, Kim was eligible for a reduction from the default period of ineligibility based on the specific circumstances of his case.
Kim’s two-year period of ineligibility began on July 9, 2024, the date his provisional suspension was imposed. In addition, Kim has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to April 17, 2024, the date his positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents, coaches, and medical professionals in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, 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, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at playclean@USADA.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
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.
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