World-class U.S. downhill racer and prominent Stifel US Ski Team member, Breezy Johnson, faces scrutiny from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The agency’s testing regimen, aiming for fair competition through unannounced out-of-competition tests, applies to athletes year-round. Athletes fall into two categories within USADA’s program: the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) and the Clean Athlete Program (CAP), with stringent requirements for providing whereabouts information crucial for surprise testing.
During the Women’s Ski World Cup in St. Moritz, US speed specialist Breezy Johnson’s sudden absence from races sparked speculation. Initially unexplained, rumors circulated until later confirmation hinted at a possible issue with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Breezy Johnson’s whereabouts case
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Recently, Breezy posted on X, revealing her current situation regarding an investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Her caption read, “I wanted to confirm that I am involved in a potential Whereabouts case with USADA that’s still in the preliminary stages. Out of respect for my fellow racers, I have decided not to compete until the matter is resolved. I want to emphasize that a Whereabouts case does not involve any banned substance. Rather, my case is about whether I updated my location information correctly. I am, and always have been, a clean athlete.”
— Breezy Johnson (@_BreezyJohnson) December 9, 2023
Reports from “Skinews.ch” indicated that Breezy Johnson didn’t face doping accusations but rather breached specific whereabouts rules, resulting in her missing three doping tests. This seemingly minor issue could lead to severe consequences, potentially a two-year suspension. Johnson later addressed the allegations, clarifying her involvement in a whereabouts incident under USADA investigation. She stressed that her case didn’t involve banned substances but accurate whereabouts updates, affirming her status as a clean athlete throughout.
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Anti-doping measures in focus
USADA rules stipulate that repeated whereabouts issues in a year constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. US Ski & Snowboard supports her as the case unfolds, awaiting its outcome that could lead to disciplinary actions, including a possible skiing suspension.
Read More: “Not Me”: Despite 91st Career Win, Mikaela Shiffrin Apprehensive of G.O.A.T Status
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The USADA’s Athlete Connect app helps minimize the hassle of checking in your whereabouts. The example with Johnson’s reminds athletes that they should comply in order to avoid strict anti-doping activities. Her case underlines the significance attached to fair play in alpine skiing, something which might have ruined her career.
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