Shealy Receives Two Year Suspension

Shealy is not allowed to compete in any IAAF/USATF sanctioned meets after testing positive for amphetamine, which was from a prescription medicine.

Chase Shealy, 18, a former pole vaulter at Brookland-Cayce received a two year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping agency on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Shealy's suspension was put in place after being tested positive for amphetamine, which was from a prescription medicine in June, 2003. According to Shealy's father, Rusty the USADA is required to give a two year suspension for anyone who tests positive for the substance.

Shealy tested positive for the substance on June 21, 2003 at the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Stanford, Calif. The substance is prohibited for use during competition by the IAAF (usantidoping.org). Amphetamine, however is not prohibited by the IAAF outside of competition. "Chase took Adderal for A.D.D. and had no clue that it was banned since junior athletes (unfortunately) are not made aware of things like they should be," Rusty Shealy said.

Shealy accepted the sanction on Dec. 4 and in following IAAF rules he is not allowed to compete in any IAAF/USATF sanctioned events. Shealy recently finished first in the pole vault (17-00.75) at the Clemson Opener on Dec. 6, a meet not sanctioned by the IAAF/USATF. "He (Chase) is only suspended from USATF and IAAF meets which are only a few elite meets each year," said Rusty Shealy. "He can still compete in NCAA, Unattached, or Junior College meets".

The suspension is scheduled to end on June 22, 2005. Shealy was also required to forfeit his second place medal from the USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships from this past summer .

"In the letter that was forwarded, USADA is requesting that IAAF grant early reinstatement for June 1 so that Chase will be eligible to compete in this years USA Junior's which is the qualifier for the World Junior's in Italy," said Rusty Shealy.

"Our attorney is attempting to make sure it is on the agenda with IAAF for their March meeting, because if Chase's review is delayed to a future meeting he will not be eligible for USA Junior's this year and he is a front-runner for the World Team," said Rusty Shealy.

Carrying out the sanction is the USATF. Following Shealy's suspension this is the 25th sanction issued by the USADA in 2003 (usantidoping.org). "Everyone (USATF, USADA, USOC) is acknowledging the problem but it is not being corrected soon enough," said Rusty Shealy.