The Irish Times Sunday, October 14, 2001
Former world 200m champion Inger Miller tested positive for a banned substance nearly three years ago, American officials admitted today. The news explains at least one of more than 20 positive drug tests on American athletes in 1999-2000, the revelation of which created a storm of controversy before the Sydney Olympics last year, with international track chiefs accusing their America counterparts of attempting a doping cover-up. According to a press release issued by US Track and Field (UST&F) the American governing body, Miller was found positive for high levels of the stimulant caffeine. The drug test followed the 60 metres final at the World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan, in March, 1999, where Miller had placed third. The standard sanction for such an offence is disqualification and a public warning. As a consequence, Canada's Philomena Mensah, fourth-placer in the Maebashi final, can now expect to receive the bronze medal. The delay in announcing the drug test findings appears to lie in the UST&F's lengthy hearings and appeal procedure, which was only completed earlier this month. In the meantime, Miller, now aged 29, has gone on to win the 200m title at the outdoor World Championships in Seville, Spain, later in 1999, and a sprint relay gold at this year's World Championships in Edmonton, Canada. But the announcement is another blow for Miller's Los Angeles-based training group, where she trains under coach John Smith. Smith, coach to Maurice Greene, the world's fastest man, is facing a one million dollar legal suit for damages over allegations of assault from former charge, Anjanette Kirkland. Smith's group is also reeling from the recent stimulant positive findings against another high profile member of their group, Trinidad's Ato Boldon. - AFP Eamonn Condon www.RunnersGoal.com
