Appeal Filed Against Sprinter Erriyon Knighton's Doping Case Decision

The Athletics Integrity Unit has appealed the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision that cleared American sprinter Erriyon Knighton of doping charges. Knighton tested positive for a banned substance, which was attributed to contaminated meat, but the AIU challenges the ruling claiming no fault or negligence. The appeal focuses on flaws in World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the case that cleared American sprinter Erriyon Knighton of a doping offense, thus allowing him to compete in the Paris Olympics.

Knighton, 20, tested positive for a banned substance in March but avoided a ban, as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency determined, through an independent arbitrator, that the positive test was likely caused by contaminated meat. It was concluded that he was not at fault and had not acted with negligence.

Despite this, the AIU, an independent body created by World Athletics in 2017 to handle integrity issues, has challenged the initial decision. They claim that there was an error in establishing Knighton's lack of fault or negligence.

USADA Chief Executive, Travis Tygart, expressed his understanding of AIU's reasons for the appeal, highlighting it as an example of the system at work while criticizing the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. Tygart stated that trenbolone, the substance involved, is a known livestock enhancer often found in the meat supply, and called for changes to the existing contamination rules.

This case underscores ongoing tensions between U.S. and global anti-doping authorities, echoing previous conflicts, such as the 2021 incident involving 23 Chinese swimmers before the Tokyo Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)