JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Kensey McMahon, a Mandarin High School graduate and potential Paris Olympian, was suspended for four years by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for a positive test for a banned substance.
McMahon tested positive for vadadustat, a medication that is used in the treatment of anemia as a result of chronic kidney disease. USADA says is “prohibited at all times” under the World Anti-Doping Code. Vadadustat is in the category of peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics.
Recommended Videos
McMahon presented her case at a hearing on May 2 and learned the result of that on June 4. She has denied using vadadustat, including in an interview with the Florida Times-Union.
McMahon was provisionally suspended on July 7, 2023, one week after she tested positive at the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis. McMahon finished third in the 1500 meter freestyle behind Katie Ledecky and Katie Grimes.
McMahon developed into a dominant swimmer at the University of Alabama, wrapping up her career in March 2023 with NCAA championships in the 500 free and 1650 free. She was named to the United States National Team’s open water squad last year and has competed in several open water events.