Lindsey Vonn drug-tested at NYC fashion show
You expect plenty of distinctive, unforgettable moments at a New York fashion awards show, but being asked to fill up a urine sample cup probably isn't among them. Alas, that's exactly what happened to Lindsey Vonn Monday night at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards.
According to the New York Post, Vonn was at Lincoln Center in New York City dressed in full regalia (see right) when she received a phone call from the United States Anti-Doping Agency, telling her that she needed to provide a sample now. And Vonn, who was wearing that divine Cynthia Rowley gown — but then, you already knew that, didn't you? — complied. Rowley escorted the USADA testers in off the street, according to The Post, and there you go. (Caveat: the Post identified the testers as the International Olympic Committee, so bear that in mind.)
"Lindsey met the IOC [sic] at the bathroom," The Post reported a source as saying. "Cynthia stood guard outside, and no one was allowed to enter the bathroom. They were in there for about five minutes."
While the USADA was a bit ham-fisted with their approach, the testers were within protocol; athletes can be tested at any time with no notice or probable cause. Athletes frequently complain about USADA testers showing up at early-morning hours. Gymnast Aly Raisman was tested during the finale week of "Dancing With The Stars." And Vonn was tested five separate times last year alone.
"As part of her participation, she provided USADA with her location information indicating she would be in New York and we performed a test collection on her there," USADA spokesperson Annie Skinner said in a statement. "We appreciate her professionalism and for accommodating this process, which at times can be inconvenient."
The USADA tested Vonn's sample on the spot. According to the Post's source, Vonn passed, and the testers reportedly told her to "have fun." (During the 2012 Olympic Games, with thousands of tests being administered, tests were turned around within 24 to 72 hours.)
Vonn is rehabbing from injury in preparation for the Sochi 2014 Olympics. She's also dating some golf player, so she's got that going for her.
-Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at @jaybusbee.-
