American star pair banned over drug tests

Two of the biggest names in American athletics - shot putter Randy Barnes and sprinter Dennis Mitchell - have been suspended indefinitely for taking drugs. Barnes, the 1996 Olympic gold medallist and world indoor and outdoor record-holder, and Mitchell, the 1992 Olympic 100 metres bronze medallist, were cited yesterday by the sport's world governing body for failing drug tests on April 1st.

International Amateur Athletic Federation spokesman Giorgio Reneiri announced that both athletes tested positive during out-of-competition tests - Barnes in Charleston, West Virginia, and Mitchell in Gainesville, Florida.

So far only the A samples have been tested but that is sufficient for the IAAF to levy a suspension.

If their B samples are positive, the IAAF will then rule on the severity of the punishment pending a hearing by USA Track and Field. If the B sample is negative, they are cleared.

Barnes could be banned for life because this is his second offence. He was suspended for two years starting in 1991 for the banned substance, methyltestosterone. This time the substance is androstenedione.

These are two of the biggest suspensions in track and field, following Ben Johnson at the 1988 Olympics, Butch Reynolds in 1990 and Mary Slaney in 1997.

Johnson is banned for life, but Reynolds served his suspension and is now competing, while Slaney was cleared and is also running again.

Mitchell is president of USA Track and Field's Athletes Advisory Committee, the athletes' voice in the national governing body, who have taken a hard stance against drugs.

Mitchell tested positive for testosterone in what is his first drug offence. If found guilty following the B sample, he probably would receive a two-year ban.

His suspension was handed down after he finished fifth in the Goodwill Games 100 metres and ran the second leg of the winning American 4x100 metres relay team.

Reneiri revealed that the IAAF had asked Mitchell to "give some medical explanation" for the findings.

"A few days ago, the explanation was received and the doping commission decided to suspend the athlete," Reneiri said.