Sprinter Pulls Out Amid Reports of Positive Drug Test

(Seville, Spain-AP) -- Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey has<br>withdrawn from the World Championship after testing positive for a<br>banned substance.<br> <br>In a statement, the winningest medalist in

Wednesday, August 18th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Seville, Spain-AP) -- Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey has
withdrawn from the World Championship after testing positive for a
banned substance.

In a statement, the winningest medalist in World Championship
history maintains her innocence and vows to fight the allegations.

The 39-year-old called the development a "terrible mistake"
and offered to take another test.

Ottey supposedly tested positive for the banned substance
Nandrolone a meet in Lucerne, Switzerland last month. A second
sample apparently has yet to be tested.

Ottey's management agency said it was contacted about the
positive test by the International Amateur Athletic Federation on
Sunday. An official of track and field's governing body confirms
the report.

Ottey has won 14 medals at the World Championships, including
four golds.