Usain Bolt's training partner linked to positive Jamaican drug tests

Sources in Jamaica have named the banned substance that five Jamaican athletes tested positive for at the national trials last month as methylxanthine, a decongestant. If taken as a performance-enhancing drug it could assist in getting oxygen into the lungs.

Methylxanthine is often found in cough medicine and can be bought without a prescription over the pharmacy counter, adding to the potential confusion for athletes. A type of bronchodilator, it is commonly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Well-placed sources indicate that Yohan Blake, 19, who trains with Usain Bolt at the Racers Track Club in Kingston, and Sheri-Ann Brooks, the reigning 100m Commonwealth champion, are on the list of suspected offenders, although neither the International Association of Athletics Federations nor the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (Jadco) has been able to confirm those names or the name of the substance found.

Blake, who finished second behind Bolt in the 100 metres at the Aviva London Grand Prix at the weekend, appeared distressed by the accusation. He said on Friday, when news broke of the failed tests, that he was "clean" but refused to comment after his name was mentioned yesterday. Brooks's manager, Chris Mychasiw, said his athlete had been told of the positive test result and would be returning to Jamaica from Europe.

All five athletes are thought to have been notified and are due to return to the island this week. A disciplinary hearing could be held as early as Wednesday but it is likely that the verdict will recordonly a minor offence for such a substance.Jadco's medical officer, Dr Herb Elliott played down the severity of the situation. "I can assure you it wasn't any major stuff," he said.

A spokesman for the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association added: "This stimulant is found in a lot of nasal inhalers that people use. If they can give a satisfactory explanation of how this was found in their system, they could receive a public warning but, if it is felt it was used to gain an unfair advantage, then they could get a two-year ban."

Source:Guardian

 

This has nothing to do with Usain Bolt so why is his name in the title? Usain Bolt and positive drug test shouldn't even appear in the same sentence. Plenty people have already taken a cynical view on Bolt's successes and I don't think the media or Rexxxy or whosoever should tie his name with positive drug test results of another athlete when it has nothing to do with him. That title just really irritated me and if I were Usain Bolt's manager I would be seeing you in court...