The 26-year-old tested positive for ostarine in an in-competition urine sample at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships on June 24 2018. 

Ostarine, also known as MK-2866 and enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator that is illegally sold as a performance-enhancing substance.

It has been found as a declared and undeclared ingredient in many dietary supplements sold in the US, however, prompting the country's Food and Drug Administration to issue warning letters to dietary supplement manufacturers stating that ostarine is an unapproved new drug.

Gochenour’s four-year period of ineligibility began on June 24 2018, the date her positive sample was collected.

She has also been disqualified from competitive results since that date, including the forfeiture of any medals, points or prizes. 

In a post on her Twitter account after USADA's announcement, Gochenour claimed her innocence.

"My sample contained .01ng/mL of the substance," she said.

"To put that into perspective, I believe that's equal to about a grain of salt in an Olympic sized pool.

"I am innocent of the crime with which I have been charged. 

"Throughout my entire career I've tried to compete and carry myself with dignity and integrity.

"I respect the sport and what the Olympic dream represents far too much to try to cheat myself to the top." 

Gochenour has been as high as 17 in the world in heptathlon and has a personal best of 6,129 points.