Newz Forum: OLYMPICS: Retired Jacobs gets 4 year ban

Former world indoor 1,500metres champion Regina Jacobs has accepted a four-year ban from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for testing positive for THG.

The American middle distance runner had announced her retirement from athletics on Thursday rather than compete at the US Olympic trials in the 1,500 final on the same day she was due for her hearing into the charge. Jacobs, 40, tested positive for the previously undetectable designer steroid at the USA Outdoor Championships in June, 2003, when she won the 1,500m title.



BBC Sport

"Clean athletes should be motivated by knowing that Olympic sport has committed its resources and expertise to leveling the playing field by eliminating drugs, including undetectable substances from competition," USADA chief executive Terry Madden said.

THG is at the centre of the Balco doping scandal that has rocked US Olympic preparations.

Jacobs was one of six US athletes entered in the trials facing doping charges.

World 100m record holder Tim Montgomery failed to finish in the top three, thereby missing selection.

Olympic 400m silver medallist Alvin Harrison failed to make the final and his twin Calvin finished fifth.

Former world indoor 200m champion Michelle Collins withdrew from the trials.

Olympic 4x100m relay gold medallist in 1996, Chryste Gaines failed to qualify for the 100 and later withdrew from the 200.