The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accepted American sprinter Alia Armstrong’s explanation for testing positive for the banned masking agent and diuretic spironolactone.
On February 9, she tested positive during an out-of-competition test. She did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which is a requirement to use the substance. It is not known at this time if she had a prescription, but one was needed.
USADA let her off with a public warning.
Armstrong competed in the World Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, despite testing positive three days before the meet started.
Armstrong mentioned on social media that she was taking it as part of her hormonal treatment for acne due to polycystic ovary syndrome.
Where USADA may have contravened the World Anti-Doping code (WADA) is in two ways: Spironolactone must be prescribed by a doctor. A TUE is required for use. Armstrong did not have this exemption at the time of testing, claiming she was unaware and provided further information about her use to USADA after receiving notification.
It is well known, well documented and published that athletes are ultimately responsible for what they put into their bodies.
The masking agent could be covering up for other performance-enhancing drugs.
“I was really nervous. I didn’t know what was going on because I didn’t realize it was a banned substance. I’ve learnt a lot from this experience, and my doctor confirmed that it was a medication I could take. I trusted my doctor, but moving forward, I realize that I need to be more informed about the US Anti-Doping Agency and all the anti-doping rules,” she explained on Instagram.
The 25-year-old finished sixth at the 2026 World Indoor Championships and holds a 12.32 personal best in the 100 metre hurdles.
Other athletes cleared to compete by USADA
One of the most notorious cases of using a masking agent was by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich who won the 2024 Chicago Marathon in the time of 2:09:56. It is alleged she had at least 140 times the allowable amount of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). She has been banned for three years, however, her marathon record remains.
A number of American athletes have competed despite positive tests for PEDs, often due to accepted appeals, overturned decisions, or “no-fault” rulings regarding contamination. Notable cases include Carl Lewis (1988), Justin Gatlin (2001), and sprinter Gil Roberts (2017), as well as Will Claye (2018), Jarrion Lawson (2020 Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal), Ajee Wilson (2017) and temporarily Erriyon Knighton (2024).
