U.S. soccer star Hope Solo says she had no idea a prescription drug she took for "pre-menstrual purposes" contained a diuretic on the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list.
"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," Solo, the 30-year-old goalkeeper from Seattle, Wash., said in a statement.
A sample of Solo's urine collected June 15 tested positive for canrenone, a prohibited diuretic, according to the USADA. But when her doctor-prescribed medication was found to contain canrenone in therapeutic doses, she was given a public warning instead of a suspension.
"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," she said.
Because banned substances can be found in prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as dietary supplements, the USADA urges athletes to do their research before taking them. The agency runs educational sessions, distributes easy-reference wallet cards and manages a hotline to answer athletes' questions. And if an athlete needs to take a medication that contains a substance on the prohibited list, they can apply for permission.
"As in all cases, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances and always do what is fair and right for clean athletes and the integrity of sport," USADA chief executive officer Travis Tygart said in a statement.
Solo is one of 14 American athletes to receive a sanction under United States Olympic Committee's anti-doping policies this year, according to the USADA. She is one of three athletes to avoid suspension.
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