U.S. Olympics Gymnast Has Been Suspended For 16 Months

01/19/2025 09:08 AM

A prominent United States Olympics gymnast has officially been hit with a lengthy suspension.

A member of the 2020 United States men's gymnastics team at the Tokyo Olympics has been hit with a suspension by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. He's been suspended for missing a mandatory drug test.

 Yul Moldauer, a one-time Olympic gymnast, reportedly missed three drug tests in a span of 12 months. He has now been suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The one-time United States Olympic gymnast confirmed the news on his Instagram page.

The U.S. Olympian released a statement on what happened.

"I want to say thank you to all of the people who are supporting me publicly and privately after being made aware of the suspension," Moldauer said.

"Sincerely, it's very humbling to know that so many people care about me as both a person and an athlete. Unfortunately, I find myself needing to clarify my previous statement based upon some of the comments that are being posted. The previous statement that was released seems to imply that USADA or WADA, or the anti-doping officer was somehow responsible for my suspension due to either a bad system or some other type of error. That is about as far from the truth as possible. What I was trying to make clear to the gymnastics world was that I had never failed a drug a test… ever… and my suspension was automatic due to three whereabout failures.

"I am aware there are many young gymnasts and athletes who have looked up to me and continue to look up to me. I owe them and everyone a clearer response than what I previously provided. I received the sixteen-month suspension because I had three Whereabout failures. Those failures are on me.

"I am responsible for following the rules completely and I feel [sure] of that. It really is that simple. Do I wish I had done something a bit different and that I had been more careful? Absolutely! Accountability matters and I want the community to understand that it isn't just USADA holding me accountable, I am holding myself accountable as well."

"I accepted the suspension without appeal because it was the right thing to do. I was in the wrong. I'd also like to make certain that other athletes use my mistakes as an example of what can happen when you allow yourself to be distracted from the responsibilities that come with the incredible privilege of being a U.S. National Team member.

"We can certainly debate policies and procedures that are used in these circumstances, but I believe in what USADA is doing. I personally want to compete in a clean sport and I want all other athletes to be able to compete in an environment with a level playing field. Again, based upon some of the comments that were clearly brought on by my previous statement, l'd like to tell everyone that throughout this process USADA and its representatives have been nothing but understanding, gracious, and as helpful as they could be. USADA has a job to do, and I should have been clearer with my statement and provided all the details or none at all. To USADA, I apologize for inadvertently placing the organization in a bad light. It was undeserved and I appreciate the professionalism the organization has shown me throughout this process.

"One thing I certainly got right in my previous statement is that I am going to keep working and doing everything possible to represent Team USA at the LA 2028 Olympics. Thank you again to everyone for your amazing support. I will continue to learn and grow throughout the suspension but make no mistake – I will see you all in 2026!"

The gymnast, who trains in Denver, Colorado, is intent on competing for the United States at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.