Earlier this week, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced weightlifter, multi-time CrossFit Games athlete, and National Pro Grid League competitor Jessica Phillips accepted a 14-month sanction for an intravenous infusion that went above the allowed volume within a given time period.
During an out-of-competition doping test, Phillips “declared the use of an intravenous infusion of non-prohibited substances” under a physician’s supervision, according to the USADA report. Though Phillips — currently a member of the NPGL’s Phoenix Rise — did not inject (or use) any prohibited substances, the infusion she received was above the 50mL limit USADA’s anti-doping guidelines allow within a 6-hour period.
Her period of ineligibility began on April 25, 2016, and competition results recorded after that date must be forfeited; this includes Phillips’ 2nd place finish in the women’s 75kg category at USA Weightlifting Nationals in May.
We don’t yet have details regarding Phillips’ exact use or reason for the infusion. However, in some sports, intravenous fluid infusions can be a method to rehydrated following a significant weight cut prior to competition.
Earlier this summer, Phillips competed in the Reebok CrossFit Games as a member of CrossFit Bound, which finished in 25th place overall. It’s unclear exactly if or how the USADA sanction might impact her team’s results at that competition.
Featured image: @jessnatch on Instagram
