U.S. Soccer releases statement on USADA warning to Abby Dahlkemper

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – Below is a statement from U.S. Soccer regarding the public warning announced today by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that has been accepted by U.S. Women’s National Team defender Abby Dahlkemper for failing to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) prior to her use of a prescribed medication that is prohibited without the TUE.

“After discussions with Abby and USADA, and after reviewing Abby’s medical information, we fully understand that Abby’s use of the prescribed medication spironolactone without a secured TUE resulted in the public warning. She received the medication from a personal doctor to treat acne and it is not related to performance enhancement in any way. Abby had declared the use of her medication on her doping control form at the time of the sample collection, and has subsequently obtained a TUE for the medication from USADA, so she can continue to take it. We fully cooperated with USADA during the disciplinary process and in securing the TUE on Abby’s behalf to ensure the situation could be resolved quickly.”

Dahlkemper missed one NWSL match, on April 18, during the time she was waiting for the approval of the TUE, and once approved, she played the following weekend on April 21.

Following is a statement from Abby Dahlkemper:

“As athletes, we are responsible for knowing about the medications we take. I made the mistake of not being more diligent about a medication my doctor prescribed for my persistent skin condition and I should have confirmed that the medication was free of all banned substances. The medication I am taking does not have any performance-enhancing effects and my use of this medication has since been approved by USADA. I appreciate U.S. Soccer guiding me through this process and I’m grateful that this has been resolved. I am looking forward to the rest of the 2018 season.”