INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 29, 2008 – USA Gymnastics today received official word that the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will not appeal the recent ruling by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding Morgan Hamm, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for men’s gymnastics. On July 3, USADA gave Hamm a public warning for testing positive for a prohibited substance. The doping offense involved the use of a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication under the care of a physician but without first seeking a therapeutic use exemption as required by the applicable rules.
"Although this is the result we anticipated, we are glad to have the final ruling so we can focus on final preparations for Beijing," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "We appreciate the FIG’s handling this case in a timely manner so the matter was resolved prior to the start of the competition in Beijing."
The FIG’s Disciplinary Commission reviewed the case on July 27 – 28, 2008, in keeping with its standard procedure. Following the recommendation of the Disciplinary Commission, the FIG Presidential Commission decided not to appeal USADA’s decision.
USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) confirmed Hamm’s status as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team on July 16 after determining that Hamm’s public warning by USADA did not impact his qualification for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.