WADA Questions Decision to Clear Sprinter Erriyon Knighton of Doping Offence
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is scrutinising an independent arbitrator's decision to clear American sprinter Erriyon Knighton of a doping offence.
Knighton tested positive for the banned substance trenbolone in March during an out-of-competition drug test, but was cleared ahead of the U.S. Olympic trials after it was determined that the positive result likely came from consuming contaminated meat. Trenbolone is legally used in beef cattle to promote growth in the United States.
WADA Critisise Ruling in Knighton Case
WADA expressed doubts about the ruling, saying, “Once WADA has the full reasoned decision, it will study that, along with the case file, with its usual scepticism and diligence.” They highlighted the rarity of trenbolone contamination through meat consumption, and are considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Despite the scepticism, the decision allows Knighton, the 200 metres world championship silver medalist, to compete in the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief Travis Tygart hailed the ruling, stating "justice was served."
However, WADA criticised Tygart's certainty about the statement without having reviewed the full decision. They also accused him of hypocrisy, pointing out his contrasting stance on Chinese athletes who tested positive for banned substances under similar contamination scenarios.
“If this had been an athlete in China, we dare to think that Mr. Tygart would be singing a different tune, and very loudly,” WADA commented.
Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Global Anti-Doping Authorities
The case is the most recent in heightened tensions between U.S. and global anti-doping authorities. Tygart maintains that Knighton’s case was handled transparently and according to the rules, unlike the investigation into 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) but faced no sanctions due to alleged contamination.
“Unlike the China TMZ 23, in this case, as the rules required, we provisionally suspended the athlete, presented the issues before an independent arbitrator, and publicly announced the outcome,” Tygart explained. He accused WADA of losing credibility and claimed it is "crumbling before the world’s eyes."
As WADA awaits the detailed decision, the controversy underscores the ongoing friction in global anti-doping efforts and the challenges in maintaining consistent standards across different cases and jurisdictions.
