American sprinter Erriyon Knighton will not be penalised after he tested positive for a prohibited drug. He won’t face any sanctions after an arbitrator decided he tested positive most likely because he had tainted meat, said the US Anti-Doping Agency.
The 200-metre world silver medallist was authorized to participate in the Olympic trials following the arbitrator’s decision. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it could appeal.
James Fitzgerald, WADA’s head of media relations, stated: “As it always does, WADA will review this case and reserves the right to take an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as appropriate.”
Knighton’s lawyer responded: “If there’s an appeal, we will obviously be prepared for it, as we were for this one.”
Knighton’s recent performance
The young sprinter is one of the most promising athletes in American track and field. He tested positive for drugs during an out-of-competition test in March, but the impartial arbitrator determined that he was not at fault and had not behaved carelessly.
Knighton registered for the 200-metre event at the Eugene, Oregon, Olympic trials. It was noted that this year, he had only participated in only race—an indoor competition in February.
Source: CNA