Jamaican drug-bust shock
JAMAICAN world No1 Usain Bolt and former world record holder Asafa Powell were the star attractions at the Aviva London Grand Prix last night as their country reeled under drug accusations.
Five Jamaican athletes tested positive at last month’s national champion-ships in Kingston. Neither Bolt nor Powell are understood to be involved but the drugs-bust casts a shadow over Jamaica’s stunning rise in athletics.
Despite having a population of less than three million, Jamaica won 11 athletic medals at the Beijing Olympics, including six gold, putting Jamaica third in the athletics medals table and 13th overall – the country’s best finish.
Bolt dominated the Games with his three gold medals and world records in the 100m, 200m and 100m relay.
All five Jamaicans involved have been selected for the World Championships in Berlin. Four are men, two competing in the sprint relay and two more in the 4x400m relay, plus one woman in the sprint relay.
“I am disappointed,” said Powell. “I just have to do what I do to keep clean.”
Bolt added: “I heard a rumour, but I’m not worried.”