The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) recently announced that an independent arbitrator has concluded that 18-year-old Calista Liu, an artistic swimming athlete from Buena Park, California, will be given a no-fault violation after she tested positive for dorzolamide on May 13, 2024.
Dorzolamide, a form of eye drops for the purpose of treating glaucoma, can also be used as a masking agent by hiding the use of steroids. This is prohibited at all times under USADA protocol for Olympic testing as well as the Olympic Committee Anti-Doping Policy, unless administered through its intended use, the eye.
USADA CEO Travis Tygart took advantage of the opportunity to land blows in his ongoing feud with his World counterparts over their handling of high-profile Chinese doping tests.
“Sadly, yet another doping violation on a non-cheating athlete,” said Travis T. Tygart, USADA CEO. “Of course, we follow the rules and find a violation and publicly announce the case, but the unfair treatment of non-cheating athletes in these cases must motivate stakeholders to reform the system to account for the increases in the sensitivity of laboratory detection, particularly for long-lasting substances. This is especially true now knowing the current rules are not evenly enforced on others.”
In the investigation, the arbitrator concluded that Liu likely came into contact with dorzolamide from using her fathers pillows and bedding, which he used to aid him in administering his prescribed dorzolamide eye drops multiple times per day. It is known that the substance can be absorbed through the skin and can remain in the blood for up to four months.
Because Liu was not found to be at fault for her positive test, she will not face any ineligibility and will not be disqualified from previous events. The WADA and World Aquatics are able to appeal this decision, per the rules.
To view the full decision by the USADA, click here.
