Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has been issued a 14-month suspension for violating the U.S Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) IV rule. After Lochte’s wife and son got sick and went to the hospital, the swimmer used an IV to inject himself with vitamins to prevent himself from getting sick too. The stunt prohibits Lochte from participating in the national championship this week in California. Lochte will also have to sit out of the Pan Pacific Championship later this year.
Even though the simmer did not participate in banned substances, the harsh rule came with harsh consequences. Lochte wanted to make sure that he cleared his name of any substance rumors.
“I’ve been swimming my whole life and I’ve been monitored by USADA for my entire competitive career. I have never taken a prohibited substance. I have never attempted to gain any advantage over my competition by putting anything illegal in my body. I would never do that.”
This is the second suspension that Lochte has received in response to misconduct. During the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the multiple gold medalist was banned from swimming for 10-months and was forced to forfeit $100,000 in bonus money. After a drunken incident at a gas station in Brazil, Lochte was dropped by 4 sponsors and was banned from the White House trip following the games.
Lochte buried his own grave when he posted a picture of him using the IV with his wife on Instagram.
Lochte issued the following statements regarding his suspension:
“A rule is a rule and I accept that there is a technical violation. I am hopeful other athletes will learn from my mistake and be mindful of this rule, as well as others,” said Lochte.
“I have goals that I want to accomplish in 2020. If anything, this is going to add more fuel to my fire.”
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