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American high jumper Inika McPherson has been banned for the second positive drug test of her career. This time her suspension is just 16 months long. She tested positive for furosemide.

Furosemide is used to hide the detection of other banned performance-enhancing drugs (PEDS) like anabolic steroids.

Below is a Tweet by Team USA supporting McPherson before the Rio Olympics and after she had served her 21-month suspension for a previous positive test.

In regards to the furosemide in her system, the 36-year-old’s defence was centred around the idea that she used someone else’s furosemide for its anti-inflammatory effect. It may be worth noting who that friend may be. Regardless, the American Arbitration Association decided the reduced suspension as warranted.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency stripped McPherson of results from that time period.

“McPherson’s 16-month period of ineligibility began on July 22, 2022, the date her provisional suspension was imposed,” read a USADA statement.

“In addition, McPherson has been disqualified from competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 3, 2022, the date her positive sample was collected, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.”

Previous suspension

It is not the first time that McPherson has tested positive. 

In 2014 she tested positive for benzoylecgonine, which indicates the use of cocaine. The Port Arthur, Texas native served a 21-month suspension at the time.

McPherson competed in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. She is a two-time national champion. Her personal best is 1.96 metres.