Two-time Olympic medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson has been suspended for three months by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Harper-Nelson, winner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games 100m hurdles, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide and related metabolites in an out-of-competition sample she gave on Dec. 1.
Harper, in a statement released on twitter, explained: “Recently, I was rushed to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. As a result my physician prescribed a non-performance enhancing medication for high blood pressure that contained Hydrochlorothiazide, water pill. I never hid my use of this required medication, but did fail to fully understand how it’s administration was governed by current doping protocols. I take full responsibility of my mistake and have fully cooperated with IAAF and USADA in the handling of the matter. I have learned a valuable lesson and hope my mistake will serve as a reminder to all athletes to be diligent in thoroughly checking any and all prescribed medications.”
Harper-Nelson, who also won silver at the London 2012 Olympic and missed the Rio Games, is expected to return in March.
