Sprinter Jerome Young stripped of gold medal

[Fiona]

American sprinter Jerome Young was officially stripped of his Olympic gold medal on Thursday for a positive doping test.

Young was member of the U.S. 4x400-metre relay team – which included five-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson – that won gold at the 2000 Olympics. Young ran in the opening heat and semifinals of the 4X400-metre event in Sydney, but did not compete in the final.

Things began to turn sour for Young when it was revealed in 2003 that he tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in 1999. Young was cleared of the doping charges on appeal by U.S. track and field officials, thus avoiding a two-year ban that would have kept him out of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The International Association of Athletics Federations, track and field's governing body, took action and ruled that U.S. track officials were wrong to clear Young to compete in Sydney and sent his case to arbitration.

The IAAF also said the entire U.S. team should be disqualified. However, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in July that only Young should be stripped of the medal.

The IOC executive board abided by the CAS ruling Thursday, ordering the U.S. Olympic Committee to return Young's medal.

Young, who has been banned for life for two doping offences, has said he doesn't plan to give the medal back.

"We are aware of the IOC's request and will transmit that request to Mr. Young and his representatives," USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said.

CBC Sports

Image: American sprinter Jerome Young was formally stripped of his gold medal on Thursday. (AP Photo)

[steveb]

Why do these competitive athletes take chances with steroids?

They know that tests will reveal they have been cheating?

WHY DO THEY DO IT???

Are the steroids robbing them of their brain cells?

Apart from which is the even greater risk of their long term health!