American sprinter remains unfazed about doping case as he discloses ambitious plans for next season

American sprinter remains unfazed about doping case as he discloses ambitious plans for next season

Abigael Wafula 09:00 - 29.08.2024

The American youngster is unbothered about the AIU appealing his doping case at the Court of Arbitration of Sport as he is already planning for his 2025 season.

American sprinter Erriyon Knighton remains unfazed about his doping scandal as he has big ambitions spilling over to next season.

After competing at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne and finishing second behind Letsile Tebogo in the men’s 200m, Knighton disclosed that he is building up on that as he maintains focus on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Knighton is fresh from competing at the Paris Olympic Games where he finished fourth in the men’s 200m, clocking 19.99 seconds to cross the finish line. Tebogo won the race in an African record time of 19.46 seconds as Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles came in second and third respectively.

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“It feels good to be back in the league but there´s definitely room for improvement. I go back to Europe 2 days ago and I´m still adjusting. The competition was strong, and now I´m focused on the next steps. The plan for next year is to compete with the best in the world and go to the World Championships in Tokyo,” Knighton said.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old had been cleared to compete by the US Anti-doping Agency after he tested positive for Trenbolone, often found in livestock. Knighton said he ate oxtail from a bakery in central Florida that was contaminated.

USADA noted that he was not guilty of the charge and cleared him on a ‘no fault’ basis. That’s when he competed at the US Olympic trials where he finished third in the men’s 200m and sealed his ticket to Paris.

However, the Athletics Integrity Unit has come out to note that it is filing an appeal against the youngster.

This follows the online uproar from the Chinese Anti-doping officials, who claimed that the US and Chinese athletes are treated differently as they singled out Knighton’s case. The AIU did not disclose details of its appeal but the development means Knighton is not off the hook yet.

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