Track star Erriyon Knighton blames contaminated oxtail for positive drug test

American sprinter Erriyon Knighton has been handed a four-year doping ban after his claim that contaminated oxtail caused his positive drug test was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 21-year-old, once seen as one of track and field's brightest prospects, tested positive for epitrenbolone, a steroid used in livestock farming, in March 2024. Knighton argued that the banned substance entered his system through oxtail purchased from a Florida bakery.

While an independent arbitrator initially accepted this explanation, allowing him to compete at the Paris Olympics where he placed fourth in the 200 meters, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Athletics Integrity Unit successfully appealed. The appeals court ruled that Knighton's claims lacked scientific support and were statistically implausible.

The suspension, which runs until 2028, wipes out his chances of competing at the Los Angeles Olympics, cutting into the prime of his sprinting career. His results between March 26 and April 12, 2024, have also been disqualified.

- Antwaine Campbell

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