Hope Solo Drug Test Results Earns Warning From USADA
Hope Solo, goalkeeper for the United States national team, has tested positive for a banned substance and received a warning from the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Solo will still be able to play at the 2012 London Olympics, though, and said she only tested positive after taking prescribed medicine.
"I took a medication prescribed by my personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes that I did not know contained a diuretic," Solo said in a public statement. "Once informed of this fact, I immediately cooperated with the 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 tested positive for canrenone in a urine test conducted on June 15. The drug is used to enhance metabolism and provide needed energy boosts, which is why U.S. sports teams prohibit its use. Solo is fortunate to have only received a warning after testing positive, a fact not lost on the young star.
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"As someone who believes in clean sport, I am glad to have worked with the USADA to resolve this matter, and I look forward to representing my country at the 2012 Olympic games in London," she added.
Solo, a rising star in the soccer world, has not been without her own controversy. In 2007, she was dismissed by World Cup coach Greg Ryan after speaking out against her teammate and coach.
"It was the wrong decision," she said of Ryan's choice to bench her during a match against Brazil.
"There's no doubt in my mind I would have made those saves. You have to live in the present, and you can't live by big names. You can't live in the past," Solo said. Her comments earned her a one-way trip back to the U.S., solo.
Since then, Solo has earned her way back to the team and plays under the guidance of Pia Sundhage. Solo is the leading goalkeeper for the team and is looking to bring home the gold in London.
