USA gymnast tests positive, THE FIG WILL NOT APPEAL

fig press release, July 29

Lausanne (SUI) FIG Office: --- The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced on July 3, 2008 that gymnast Morgan Hamm (artistic), tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide (glucocorticostreroïd) on May 24, 2008, accepted a public warning for this first offence.

The doping offence involved the use of a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication under the care of a physician, but without first seeking a therapeutic use exemption as required by the applicable rules. Case in hand, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) called for a meeting of its Disciplinary Commission on July 27 – 28, 2008, in keeping with standard procedure. Two representatives of USA Gymnastics and two of the World Anti-doping Agency were invited to the meeting. At the close of discussions and following recommendations put forth by the Disciplinary Commission, the FIG Presidential Commission decided not to appeal the USADA’s decision.
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* GYMmedia News, July, 8:
Statement from USA Gymnastics regarding Morgan Hamm

Morgan HAMM: ... positiv drug test!

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.: – USA Gymnastics has received notification from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding Morgan Hamm’s positive drug test and resulting public warning.
USA Gymnastics will review this situation to determine how this may impact his qualification to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. As stated in USADA’s official release, “the doping offense involved the use of a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication under the care of a physician but without first seeking a therapeutic use exemption as required by the applicable rules.

Morgan HAMM (USA)

Morgan Hamm (25) tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a glucocorticosteroid, on May 24, 2008,” the second day of competition at the 2008 Visa Championships.

Hamm was named to the U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastics Team at the conclusion of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics.
Results from the Visa Championships and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials were part of the selection process.
* Source: USA Gymnastics Federation, July 3

* ... read more at the "Los Angeles Times": "No, not Gymnastics!"