INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 17, 2010 – Earlier today, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced it will allow 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist and former world champion Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., to compete in the 2010 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in October. Sacramone returned to competition earlier this year after a hiatus following the 2008 Olympic Games. Sacramone followed the regulations and protocol established by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and has already been tested since re-entering the drug-testing pool.
“We appreciate the FIG’s allowing Alicia to be eligible for our 2010 World Championships Team despite our administrative error,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Alicia did everything right, and we contacted the FIG as soon as we realized we had not reported her return to competition in accordance with the new regulations. USA Gymnastics fully supports any and all anti-doping efforts.”
Sacramone, who won the U.S. vault title for a record fifth time at the 2010 Visa Championships, has been tested twice out of competition and both were negative. Sacramone has won seven world medals, including the 2005 floor exercise title and the 2007 team title, and was a member of the U.S. women’s team that won the 2008 Olympic team silver medal. Sacramone is one of 12 women vying for spots on the 2010 U.S. Women’s World Championships Team. The U.S. Women’s Team will be announced following the conclusion of the selection camp in early October.
“I appreciate the FIG’s understanding in this matter,” said Sacramone. “I respect all of the anti-doping requirements, and I want to thank the FIG for considering the interests of the athlete in this instance.”
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and group gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usagym.org.