Report: Another US sprinter trained by Graham tests positive

Aug 25, 2006, 12:50 GMT

Chicago - Another US sprinter coached by Trevor Graham has tested positive for use of a performance-boosting drug, according to the Chicago Tribune in its edition Friday.

LaTasha Jenkins, silver medallist at the 2001 indoor world championships, was tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone in July, the report said.

The results are based on a 'A' sample from an in-competition test, unnamed sources told the newspaper. If the second 'B' test is positive, Jenkins could face a minimum two-year ban from competition.

Jenkins is the third U.S. track athlete to test positive for banned drugs recently. The others are Olympic 100 metres champion Justin Gatlin and Olympic triple gold medallist Marion Jones, who tested positive for the endurance-enhancer EPO after winning the 100 metres at the U.S. championships on June 23.

The Tribune said Jenkins was the 11th athlete who is now coached or was previously coached by Graham to test positive. The group includes Gatlin and Jones, who was trained by Graham when she won her three medals in Sydney in 2000.

Jenkins, 28, finished third in the 200 metres at the U.S. track and field championships in Indianapolis in late June. She announced her retirement in 2003 but returned to the sport the following year.