Virginia Junior-to-be Rachael Burke has begun serving a provisional suspension after testing positive in an out-of-competition test on May 1, 2004.

She tested positive for boldione, a prohibited substance under the rules of La Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), which is the international federation for the sport of swimming. Biodine is a a for of boldenone and classified as an anabolic steroid. It is most often found in injectable form as a veterinary medication (boldenone undecylenate) though widely available through the web and various "nutrition" stores. It is chemically a derivative of testosterone, characterized as a strong anabolic and low to moderately androgenic agent.

Androgenic agents are synthetically manufactured compounds that convert to anabolic hormones via enzymes in the liver. They are oftentimes used by athletes looking to increase size, strength, endurance, reduce recovery time or add lean body mass. They are most often used for increasing muscle mass or reducing bodyfat levels.

This assumes, of course, that Burke intentionally or knowingly used the substance. Labeling on nutritional supplements is frequently misleading and/ or inaccurate.

She began serving the provisional suspension from competitions Thursday while arbitrators review the case.

Burke, 21, accepted and began serving the provisional suspension on July 29, 2004. By accepting the provisional suspension, Burke agreed not to compete in any competitions under the jurisdiction of FINA, USA Swimming or the United States Olympic Committee.

Burke will receive credit for the period of the time she has served the provisional suspension should a doping violation and suspension ultimately be determined by a panel of independent arbitrators.