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Athletics fans around the world have hit out at USADA for applying ‘double standards’ after the young American sprinter was let off the hook following a failed drug test.
Athletics fans have reacted angrily to news that US sprinter Erriyon Knighton will not face a ban despite failing a drug test.
Knighton has been given the green light to compete having been provisionally suspended in April after testing positive for a metabolite of trenbolone in March.
The 20-year-old was exonerated by an independent arbitrator who concluded that the substance likely entered his system through contaminated meat.
08:26 - 20.06.2024
Erriyon Knighton: Why American sprinter escaped doping ban despite failed drug test
US sprinter Erriyon Knighton will not be serving a doping ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance due to consumption of contaminated meat.
United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that despite the positive test, Knighton was not at fault. USADA chief executive Travis Tygart stated, "justice was served," emphasising the athlete's lack of negligence.
"After the hearing, the arbitrator determined that Knighton’s positive test was more likely than not caused by consuming meat contaminated with trenbolone, which is a known livestock growth promoter that is used legally in beef cattle produced in and exported to the United States,” said USADA in its ruling.
“Knighton tested positive despite any fault or negligence, so he will not face a period of ineligibility. Since the sample was collected out-of-competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify. As required under the rules, Knighton was provisionally suspended on April 12, 2024, and following this legal proceeding, his provisional suspension has been lifted effective immediately and he is rightfully allowed to compete following this legal process.”
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15:00 - 20.06.2024
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However, the ruling has been met with disdain among fans around the world with some accusing USADA of double standards after it accused WADA and China's anti-doping body of covering reports of 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance reportedly ingested through contaminated food.
“Once again, I sense there are multiple standards being followed by the anti-doping authorities,” commented a fan on social media.
“I love Erriyon but wish they extended the same courtesy to that 18 year-old young man Assanga..it's giving Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis Seoul Olympics 1988,” said another one in relation to the four-year ban handed to US Issam Asinga who tested positive for a performance-enhancer that he claimed came from eating "recovery gummies."
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22:43 - 20.06.2024
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“USADA have spent months criticising WADA for 'allowing' CHINADA to let athletes off on contamination grounds, but they seem to regularly let American athletes off on the same grounds and expect WADA to 'allow' it. Embarrassing and hypocritical.”
“But if it was the Jamaicans oh boy the full book of the law would come down on them. Unfair, biased and clear cheating,” observed another one who feels athletes from other countries are treated differently.
“If it was an African, there would have been no excuses. Look at Tobi Amusan, even after being cleared they are still fighting her,” explained another fan.
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18:45 - 18.06.2024
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“Then you will see Americans criticising Kenyans, Ethiopians and Jamaican athletes. I guess if corporations support you, you get a pass.”
Some fans feel USADA is sleeping on the job by not alerting athletes about the dangers that exist in some of the food they consume.
“This feels strange because you never see this outcome. Really need to read the final brief/ruling with details. And if USADA knows this is in the American food system, what guide lines do athletes get. A lot of athletes are eating lots of burgers and steaks,” said another fan.
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19:09 - 18.06.2024
Letsile Tebogo: Kenyans put on notice as Botswana wonderkid goes for hat-trick at African Championships
Kenyan sprinters have their work cut out at the upcoming Africa Athletics Championships after Botswana sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo signed up for three races.
“Embarrassing. I’m sure there is one outcome from this, his team will be much more careful moving forward. USADA can no longer criticise moving forward.”
Knighton will now turn his focus on the US Olympics trials that start on Friday in Eugene, Oregon.
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