USADA Strips Hammer Thrower Gwen Berry Of Record For Using Inhaler To Combat Asthma

After working for 10 years to improve her performance, Gwen Berry’s run at the top didn’t even last a month.

Berry, a 26 year-old who set the U.S. record for the hammer throw May 21 at the Tuscon Elite Classic with a toss covering 250 feet, 4 inches, had her record wiped away Sunday by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

CLIP FROM GWEN BERRY DOCUMENTARY

USADA cited a recent disclosure form, not a positive test result, that Berry submitted ahead of a competition in March as the reason for the imposed sanction.

“Berry, 26, declared the use of an inhaler containing the prohibited substance Vilanterol Trifenatate during an in-competition sample collection,” USADA announced June 13. “After a thorough review of the case, including Berry’s medical records, USADA has accepted her explanation that the Vilanterol Trifenatate, was not being used in an effort to enhance her performance and that she was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician.”

The Olympic hopeful will not face any further sanctions beyond the loss of her record, allowing her to compete in the Rio Olympic Games, beginning in early August, should Berry qualify to be a member of the U.S. team.

Berry’s suspension is due to expire one day before Olympic Trials begin in Eugene, Oregon, July 1.

Article by Kevin Xavier