(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica – Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson have been confirmed among five Jamaican athletes to fail recent drug tests.
“I will confirm that a sample I gave at the National Trials in June has returned ‘adverse findings’,” the 30-year-old Powell said in a statement released on his Twitter account yesterday.
Powell, a former 100m world record holder was reportedly among the athletes, including two Olympic medallists and two accomplished throwers, to fail drug tests last month.
Powell tested positive for a banned substance while competing in June’s National Trials.
“The substance oxilofrine was found, which is considered by the authorities to be a banned stimulant.
“I want to be clear…that I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules.
“I am not now nor have I ever been a cheat,” Powell said.
Female sprinter and Olympic silver medallist Simpson also failed a drug test at the event.
“This is a very difficult time for me. I was notified on July 14, 2013 that my urine sample taken at the National Senior Championship, June 21, 2013 after the 100m finals returned a positive analytical finding for a stimulant oxilofrine (methylsynephrine),” Simpson said in a statement,
“As an athlete, I know I am responsible for whatever that goes into my body.” …I would not intentionally take an illegal substance of any form into my system,” Simpson added.
