December 19/03 7:57 am - Houseman Positive

Posted by Editor on 12/19/03
 

Grouse DH Winner Tests Positive

The USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) announced today that downhill pro Gary Houseman tested positive at the Grouse Mountain World Cup on July 12th. Houseman, who won the race under extremely adverse conditions, tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a metabolite of marijuana. Under UCI / IOC rules, THC is a prohibited substance.

Houseman has accepted a one-year suspension from competition beginning on July 12, 2003, the date of the infraction. All of his results from that date (including his Grouse win) are now invalid. In addition, he has received a fine of 2,000 Swiss Francs.

Ivan Oulego Moreno of Spain therefore moves into the gold medal position, and top Canadian Mathieu Laurin moves up to 7th. Houseman did not compete in the World Championships or the World Cup Final, but his removal from 19th place in the overall standings will move Canadian Jordie Lunn up to 20th in the final World Cup standings.