USADA imposed bans on four athletes who tested positive for the steroid THG last year. The agency has begun prosecuting athletes for a “non-analytical positive” – meaning circumstantial evidence of doping can be used to sanction an athlete absent conclusive test results. USADA recently notified several U.S track stars that they are under suspicion for drug violations and could face suspensions. Cases may be expedited at the USADA’s discretion.";
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The Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, a California sports supplement company headed by Victor Conte, has been the focus of a high-profile federal probe into allegations its owners ran a drug ring that provided top pro and Olympic athletes with designer steroids. Investigators believe BALCO was a primary source of THG, a steroid altered to avoid detection in drug tests. Conte and his associates, who include a high-profile trainer and track coach Remi Korchemny, have denied any wrongdoing. Conte has sought a plea deal with the federal government in exchange for information that could implicate track coaches and athletes.
BALCO’s clientele has included some of the top names in sports, including San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds and several Olympic track athletes. Sprinters Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery and others testified last fall before a grand jury investigating the BALCO case.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has sifted through thousands of pages of BALCO documents, including purported drug-use calendars for athletes, and statements Conte made to federal agents during a September 2003 raid.
Four athletes have been banned for testing positive for THG. USADA continues to investigate Jones, Montgomery and several other athletes with suspected ties to BALCO.";
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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an independent organization that settles sports disputes through arbitration or mediation. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the agency draws on more than 150 arbitrators from 55 countries, chosen for their knowledge of arbitration and sports law. The CAS hears about 50 cases every year. Cases usually require 6 to 12 months to decide, but interim measures may be requested.
A decision by CAS is final and can’t be appealed. Of the 17 previous USADA cases that were contested before the CAS, arbitrators found a doping violation each time but usually called for lesser punishments than the agency had sought.";
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Winner of a record five track and field medals at the 2000 Sydney Games, including three golds, Marion Jones is considered one of America's best all-around female athletes. But a cloud of suspicion has surrounded her as she attempts a comeback for the Athens Games.
Jones has been interviewed in connection with the probe of BALCO, as have her ex-husband, her current boyfriend, and several of her former coaches. A nutritionist charged with distributing illegal drugs to pro athletes told federal agents he gave steroids to Jones and her boyfriend, sprinter Tim Montgomery, in exchange for endorsements.
Jones, who has never failed a drug test, adamantly denies ever having used performance enhancing drugs.
At the U.S. track and field trials, Jones was dogged by doping allegations. She failed to quaify for the 100 meters and withdrew from the 200 meters, citing fatigue. She qualified for the long jump, usually considered her weakest event. ";
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The world record holder at 100 meters since 2002, Tim Montgomery is one of four U.S. track athletes the USADA has charged with doping violations and threatened with a lifetime ban.
Montgomery testified last fall before the grand jury probing BALCO. He admitted using human growth hormone and an unknown steroid called \"the clear,\" as far back as 2000, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The \"clear\" is believed to be THG, a steroid designed to fool drug testers.
Montgomery, who has a child with fellow track star Marion Jones, disputes reports about his testimony and has denied USADA's charges. He has appealed his case to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Montgomery failed to qualify for the 100 meters at the U.S. track trials.
";
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A two-time Olympian and silver medalist in the 400 meters in Sydney, Alvin Harrison has been called the heir-apparent to track legend Michael Johnson.
Competing at the U.S. track and field trials along with three other athletes accused of doping by USADA, Harrison failed to qualify for Athens, fading in the semifinals of the men's 400.
";
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Chryste Gaines, a two-time Olympic medalist in relay events, is among the track athletes the USADA has notified of pending doping charges punishable by a lifetime ban.
One of four athletes competing despite doping allegations, Gaines failed to qualify in the 100 meters at the U.S. track and field trals.
Gaines' coach, Remy Korchemny, is one of four men connected with BALCO who have been charged with illegally distributing steroids to athletes. ";
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Michelle Collins, a U.S. and world indoor champion in the 200 meters, is one of four U.S. track athletes the USADA has notified of doping charges and a potential lifetime ban.
Collins has become a top competitor in the 400 and was considered a favorite to win gold in Athens. But surrounded by controversy, Collins withdrew from the 400 at the U.S. track and field trials because of a hamstring injury, her coach said.
";
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Kelli White was the first major casualty if the BALCO scandal. After admitting to doping violations based on evidence uncovered in a federal probe of the lab, White received a two-year ban by the USADA and was forced to forfeit the 100- and 200-meter world titles she won last year in Paris.
White tested positive for the stimulant modafinil after the 2003 World Championships. She said a doctor connected with BALCO prescribed the drug to treat narcolepsy. White later admitted to also taking banned steroids and the blood-boosting hormone EPO.
White’s coach, Remy Korchemny, is one of four men connected with BALCO who have been charged with steroid distribution.
White has said she may not return to track when her suspension is lifted.";
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Hammer thrower John McEwan was one of four athletes who tested positive for the banned steroid THG during the 2003 U.S. Track and Field Championships. McEwan, who was arunner up at the meet, received a two-year ban.";
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Doping violations cost 2003 U.S. women's hammer throw champion Melissa Price her title and a chance to compete in Athens. Price received a two-year ban after testing positive for the steroid THG at the 2003 U.S. Championships.";
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OlyDrugScandal[i-1].body = "
Shot put champion Kevin Toth forfeited his 2003 title and received a two-year ban after repeatedly testing positive for the steroid THG and the stimulant modafinil last year. Toth was one of four athletes who failed THG tests during the U.S. Track and Field Championships. His suspension began on May 3.";
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A 12-time U.S. champion in the 1500, Jacobs tested positive for the banned steroid THG at the 2003 national championships.
Slated to compete at the U.S. track trials for a spot in Athens, Jacobs, 40, instead announced her retirement. Within days USADA announced Jacobs had received a four-year ban and had agreed to forfeit all of her results dating back to her positive test in June 2003.";
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Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) is a chemical derivative of the infertility drug gestrinone. A simple modification gives THG strength-building qualities without the bulk caused by other anabolic steroids. THG's ability to build lean muscles has made it appealing to some athletes in speed sports.
Federal investigators allege BALCO labs was a primary source of THG for elite athletes, and that the drug was specially designed to avoid detection. A test for THG was developed in the summer of 2003 by anti-doping officials who were sent a syringe containing trace amounts of the drug.
THG’s side affects are largely unknown but are believed to be similar to those of other anabolic steroids: excessive hair growth in women, hair loss and infertility in men, and possible liver damage.";
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Erythropoetin (EPO) is a genetically-engineered version of a natural hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells. EPO is used to treat anemia in the end-stages of kidney disease, when natural production of EPO declines. EPO doping by athletes can improve endurance by increasing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to muscles.
Because EPO is naturally present in the body, a simple test to detect the hormone would not be helpful to anti-doping officials. Instead, scientists rely on tests that measure the density of cells in the blood. An athlete’s blood averages a cellular content of 43 percent, so a cell density significantly above that level could indicate doping with synthetic EPO. ";
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Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is the most prevalent naturally occurring hormone. It is created in the brain’s pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of muscles and bones. HGH harvested from cadavers has been used to treat stunted growth, muscle atrophy and other conditions since the 1950s. Now available in synthetic form and not easily detected in tests, HGH is believed to be one of the most abused performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has hinted that it is close to developing a reliable test for HGH.
Studies have shown that elevated levels of HGH can lead to swelling of the soft tissues; abnormal growth of the hands, feet and face; high blood pressure; an increased tendency to sweat and excessive hair growth.
";
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Classified as a mild stimulant, modafinil also has several “off-label” uses, including keeping soldiers alert.
Sports organizations and sleep experts disagree over the impact modafinil could have on an athlete. Even a small increase in a runner’s alertness level, some argue, could be the difference a gold and a silver medal.
Modafinil was not on track’s list of banned substances during the 2003 World Track and Field Championships, where it was discovered in six U.S. athletes. The penalty for its use was disqualification from the event, but not a ban.
Four of the athletes reported to have tested positive for modafinil are linked to track coach Remy Korchemny. He is among those charged with distributing designer steroids to athletes through the alleged BALCO drug ring. "; // END editorial data