Grace Ariola Tests Positive For Hydrochlorothiazide; Found of No Fault

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

18-year-old Grace Ariola, who just started her freshman year at the University of Texas, tested positive for a prohibited substance, which was determined to have been ingested by her without fault or negligence, according to a report by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which can be read in full here.

Ariola tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide in an out-of-competition test she provided on June 19, 2018. Since it was in an out-of-competition test, there are no results to disqualify, and since she was found at no fault, she will not face a period of ineligibility.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and is considered a masking agent. Ariola found that the substance was in medication she was using prescribed to her at the time.

Grace Ariola reached out to Swimming World to give a personal statement:

“Today it was announced that USADA issued a finding of “No Fault” in regards to an out of competition drug test that I provided on June 19, which tested positive for hydrocholorthiazide, a banned substance that is also a common blood pressure medication.

On Friday July 13th, I received an email from USADA notifying me that I had tested positive for the substance, which I had never heard of before. The email also informed me that I could get banned from the sport I love for two years. From that day forward, I began the terrifying process of finding a lawyer and fighting a positive drug test, just two weeks before the start of U.S. Nationals.

I learned that the substance was banned because it is a diuretic and is considered a masking agent, but I had no idea where the positive test could have come from. I was using an inhaler for asthma, and was taking a generic antibiotic that had been prescribed for acne. I had used both medications while previously drug tested without issue, so did not think they were the source. However, we sent my antibiotics to an independent lab for testing, and the lab confirmed that my medication, manufactured in a lab in India, was in fact contaminated with hydrochlorothiazide. This was later confirmed by USADA through their own testing as well.

To say it was a difficult summer is an understatement. The relief I felt on Tuesday receiving the official news of a “no fault” finding was unlike anything I’ve felt, as this experience has been one of the most challenging of my career thus far. I am excited to be able to move on from this and start a new chapter of my life at the University of Texas, and I am extremely grateful for the incredible support of my family, coaches and friends during this ordeal.”

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