The doping case of U.S. sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who tested positive for the banned drug Trenbolone, is being appealed and sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Knighton claimed he ate contaminated oxtail from a bakery in central Florida. The Athletics Integrity Unit is appealing the “no-fault” finding issued by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Knighton’s attorney suggests he may be “collateral damage” in a feud between anti-doping authorities worldwide.
China has criticized the handling of Knighton’s case compared to cases involving Chinese athletes and the lack of transparency. Knighton was cleared by USADA and qualified for the 200 meters at the Olympic trials, finishing fourth in Paris. An independent arbitration panel issued a no-fault decision for Knighton, attributing the positive test to contaminated meat he consumed.
The tension between USADA, WADA, and China was exposed in the handling of doping cases, including the 23 Chinese swimmers who were cleared to keep competing despite positive tests. Knighton’s case has raised questions about whether U.S. athletes are being unfairly targeted in the ongoing feud between anti-doping agencies. The AIU did not disclose specific reasons for appealing the case, leading to further speculation and controversy in the world of sports doping.
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