Chambers' positive B test for THG confirmed

LONDON (AP) _ British sprinter Dwain Chambers was suspended Friday after it was confirmed he tested positive for the steroid THG. <br><br>UK Athletics said it was notified by the sport's world governing

Friday, November 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LONDON (AP) _ British sprinter Dwain Chambers was suspended Friday after it was confirmed he tested positive for the steroid THG.

UK Athletics said it was notified by the sport's world governing body that analysis of the backup B sample matched the positive A test.

Chambers, the European 100-meter champion, was suspended pending a British disciplinary hearing. He faces a minimum suspension of two years and a lifetime Olympic ban.

Chambers is one of five track and field athletes _ the only non-American _ known to have tested positive for the drug at the center of one of the biggest doping scandals in sports.

Chambers tested positive for THG, or tetrahydrogestrinone, in an out-of-competition control in Germany on Aug. 1. He denied knowingly taking a banned substance and blamed the positive test on nutritional supplements supplied by a California company.

UK Athletics has 28 days to hold a hearing. If Chambers is found guilty of a doping offense, the 25-year-old runner would face a ban of at least two years and miss next summer's Athens Olympics.

Under British rules, Chambers would also face a lifetime ban from the Olympics. He has been considered a potential gold medal contender in Athens.

If Chambers appeals, the case could go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

The International Association of Athletics Federations targeted Chambers after a tip from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which says THG was at the center of a conspiracy involving chemists, athletes and coaches.

If Chambers is found guilty, Britain would lose its silver medal from the 400-meter relay at the world championships in France in August. Chambers ran the anchor leg in the final.