Fuchs cleared after doping investigation
U.S. Olympic team boxer Ginny Fuchs has been cleared by the U.S. AntiDoping Agency of a potential doping violation that was determined to be the result of transmission during what Fuchs described as “intimate contact with another person.”
USADA’s finding announced Thursday ensures that Fuchs, 32, of Kemah will remain eligible to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games.
“I am very relieved that USADA understood how unique my case was in giving me a ‘no fault’ (ruling) that allows me to resume my career immediately,” Fuchs said in a statement from USA Boxing.
“I had no idea that I could become contaminated by way of intimate contact with another person. I want to thank USA Boxing for believing in me and supporting me throughout these past few difficult months.”
In early March, Fuchs learned that an out-of-competition urine test obtained in mid-February contained trace amounts of two banned substances. She subsequently discovered that her boyfriend had purchased products including the two banned substances and was taking them without her knowledge at a time when they engaged in unprotected sex, USA Boxing said Thursday.
USADA said after consultation with its science team and outside experts that the trace amounts found in Fuchs’ drug sample were consistent with sexual transmission, which it determined was a likely explanation for the positive drug test.
With that, USADA determined that Fuchs was not at fault for the positive test and that she would not face sanctions.
“USA Boxing stands as a strong partner with USADA for clean sport,” USA Boxing said. “It fully supports USADA’s finding in this very unique case which led to the ‘no fault’ finding.”
Fuchs and 13 other USA Boxing athletes who qualified for the 2020 Olympic team resumed training this week in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Boxers, including Fuchs, still must qualify for Olympic berths at a continental qualifier that will be rescheduled for later this year in Buenos Aires and a lastchance qualifier in Paris to be held at a later date.