Gil Roberts Faces Eight-Year Suspension for Doping

Gil Roberts, a U.S. gold medalist in the 4x400 metre relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was handed an eight-year suspension by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for banned substances. Roberts, a repeat offender, had previously received a 16-month ban in 2022 and escaped suspension in 2017.

Gil Roberts, a member of the U.S. gold medal winning 4x400 metre relay team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was handed an eight-year suspension after testing positive for banned substances for a second time, said the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Friday. An out-of-competition test taken by Roberts in September last year found multiple banned substances including ostarine which boosts muscle growth.

A repeat offender, Roberts received a 16 month ban in 2022 after testing positive for andarine and ostarine. He also tested positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent in 2017 but avoided suspension after successfully arguing the substance entered his body by kissing his girlfriend, who was using a sinus medication containing the drugs.

"All athletes deserve a level playing field so that their hard work and talent are rewarded,” said USADA CEO Travis Tygart. “Strategic testing helps to both deter doping and hold accountable those who intentionally violate the rules, and it’s important that we apply the full force of the rules to ensure these bad actors can’t continue to corrupt sport at any level of competition.”