my random doping test experience....

With all the doping controversy these days, all athletes competing in the Pan Am Games are subject to a random doping test. Several months ago I was required to fill out detailed forms stating where I could possibly be from now until the start of the games. I knew I would be called for a random test, but I didn't expect them to show up at my front door!

So...last Thursday the doorbell rang at 5:30 PM. I was frantically trying to wrap up my work week and start packing for a regatta I had that weekend. I answered the door and was shocked to see two USADA representatives there to collect a "sample" from me! I invited them in while they explained the testing process. I, of course, was not prepared to give them a sample on demand; so they followed me around my house while I packed and pounded glasses of water. 1 hour later I announced I was ready to pee to which they responded, "I hope your sample isn't too diluted because then we will have to wait here for another sample." Diluted, I thought? Why didn't they tell me this before? So I quickly ate 3 cookies and chased them with another glass of water in hopes of avoiding a "diluted sample".

It hadn’t occurred to me why there were two USADA representatives in my house until the female representative followed me into the bathroom to watch me “give my sample”. After the USADA reps tested my sample to make sure it wasn’t diluted, they packaged it in two bottles and told me it would be sent off for testing.

Wow, what a weird experience! Between my work and sports travel, I am still shocked that they caught me at home. I asked what would have happened had I not been here. They said they would have waited at my door for 45 mins, then called me and my primary contact, and then given me 2 hours to report to my house. Had I been unable to report in time, I would have failed my drug test....