American sprinter Erriyon Knighton has been one of the best 200m sprinters in the world over the past three years, but the 20-year-old has not yet competed in 2024 due to a provisional doping suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Knighton tested positive for a metabolite of trenbolone during an out-of-competition drug test on March 26. On Wednesday, Knighton received a no-fault violation from USADA, allowing him to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials next week, keeping his Paris 2024 dreams alive.
Independent Arbitrator Concludes No Fault Violation Appropriate for Track & Field Athlete Erriyon Knighton https://t.co/8L4PdF5zQB
— USADA (@usantidoping) June 19, 2024
According to USADA, Knighton will not serve any period of ineligibility after testing positive for a trenbolone metabolite. “An 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 U.S.” Knighton tested positive despite any fault or negligence, therefore he will not face a period of ineligibility.
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Trenbolone is a non-specified substance in the category of anabolic agents and similar to testosterone, both of which are prohibited at all times under World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. These rules have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Trenbolone builds muscle and rapidly strips fat, but it also comes with a litany of adverse side effects, often more severe than those of similar substances.
The 2023 world championship silver medallist over 200m was provisionally suspended on April 12, 2024. Following this legal proceeding on June 16, his provisional suspension was lifted, effective immediately, allowing him to compete in the men’s 200m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., next week. According to USADA, Knighton’s hearing was held on an expedited basis to resolve the matter before U.S. Trials.
Knighton is both the U18 and U20 world record holder in the men’s 200m, having run 19.69 seconds at the 2022 U.S. Track and Field Championships. At only 20, he is a two-time world championship medallist in the event. He also holds the fifth-fastest 200m time in history at 19.49 seconds.
