Ex-triple Olympic champion Marion Jones has been cleared of doping allegations after her 'B' sample proved negative
The American sprinter's initial sample had tested positive for the banned blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO) in June.
"I am absolutely ecstatic," said the 30-year-old Jones, who had been facing a two-year ban from the sport had her 'B' sample tested positive.
"I am anxious to get back on the track," she added in a statement.
"I have always maintained that I have never ever taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I am pleased that a scientific process has now demonstrated that fact."
However Jones will have to wait a little longer to return to the track as the International Association of Athletics Federations revealed it has still to be officially informed of the 'B' test by either the United States Anti-doping Agency or United States Track and Field.
"For the moment we only know of the result by what we have read in the media and we have also heard nothing from the laboratory which undertook the tests," said IAAF communications director Nick Davies.
Davies confirmed provisional start lists for this weekend's money-spinning meeting in Stuttgart have already been publicised and Jones is not among the eight starters in the 100m final.
However if Jones is quickly given the all clear there is every likelihood she will take her place in Team USA for the IAAF World Cup in Athletics next weekend in Athens.
Jones, who won five medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, had never previously failed a doping test and although she was under scrutiny by the USADA in connection with the Balco laboratory doping scandal, she was never charged with any offence.
Jones has suffered a slump in form since giving birth to her first child with ex-partner Tim Montgomery in June 2003.
But in June she won the US 100m championship in 11.10 seconds.
She has three of the five fastest times in the world this year with a best of 10.91 secs to rank second overall behind Jamaica's Sherone Simpson.
Her lawyer Howard Jacobs also expressed his delight at the result.
"The scientific part of the testing protocols worked," he said. "The 'B' sample did not confirm the 'A' positive result and Marion is now free to compete.
"But it is unfortunate that because of the 'leak' of the 'A' sample results, Marion was wrongfully accused of a doping violation and her reputation was unfairly questioned."
It is not the first time an athlete's 'B' sample has returned negative.
Olympic silver medallist Bernard Lagat was suspended for two months after testing positive for EPO in August 2003.
However, the 'B' sample cleared the Kenyan-born 1500m runner.
"I am absolutely ecstatic," said the 30-year-old Jones, who had been facing a two-year ban from the sport had her 'B' sample tested positive.
"I am anxious to get back on the track," she added in a statement.
"I have always maintained that I have never ever taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I am pleased that a scientific process has now demonstrated that fact."
However Jones will have to wait a little longer to return to the track as the International Association of Athletics Federations revealed it has still to be officially informed of the 'B' test by either the United States Anti-doping Agency or United States Track and Field.
"For the moment we only know of the result by what we have read in the media and we have also heard nothing from the laboratory which undertook the tests," said IAAF communications director Nick Davies.
Davies confirmed provisional start lists for this weekend's money-spinning meeting in Stuttgart have already been publicised and Jones is not among the eight starters in the 100m final.
However if Jones is quickly given the all clear there is every likelihood she will take her place in Team USA for the IAAF World Cup in Athletics next weekend in Athens.
Jones, who won five medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, had never previously failed a doping test and although she was under scrutiny by the USADA in connection with the Balco laboratory doping scandal, she was never charged with any offence.
Jones has suffered a slump in form since giving birth to her first child with ex-partner Tim Montgomery in June 2003.
But in June she won the US 100m championship in 11.10 seconds.
She has three of the five fastest times in the world this year with a best of 10.91 secs to rank second overall behind Jamaica's Sherone Simpson.
Her lawyer Howard Jacobs also expressed his delight at the result.
"The scientific part of the testing protocols worked," he said. "The 'B' sample did not confirm the 'A' positive result and Marion is now free to compete.
"But it is unfortunate that because of the 'leak' of the 'A' sample results, Marion was wrongfully accused of a doping violation and her reputation was unfairly questioned."
It is not the first time an athlete's 'B' sample has returned negative.
Olympic silver medallist Bernard Lagat was suspended for two months after testing positive for EPO in August 2003.
However, the 'B' sample cleared the Kenyan-born 1500m runner.
posted by Andre @ 4:23 PM
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