US sprinter Knighton avoids media amid doping controversy in men’s 200m final

Erriyon Knighton, the American sprinter embroiled in a doping scandal, hurried through the media area after his 200m final without being interviewed, raising further doubts about his eligibility.

Paris, August 9 (Xinhua) — American sprinter Elion Knighton, who is embroiled in a doping scandal, finished fourth in the men’s 200m final at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, but he suddenly left the media area without being interviewed, further fueling doubts about his eligibility to compete.

Knighton was found to have taken the banned steroid trenbolone in an out-of-competition drug test on March 26. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) decided not to suspend him, blaming the result on contaminated meat, a decision that allowed Knighton to compete in the Paris Olympic qualifiers, a move that sparked widespread concern.

The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has publicly questioned the US Anti-Doping Agency’s handling of the case and called for an independent investigation, saying it was a serious violation of the World Anti-Doping Code and could cover up anti-doping violations.

Olympic rules require all athletes to speak to the media through the mixed zone before leaving the field. However, Knighton was absent after the 200m final, and reporters waited in vain. His absence was in stark contrast to teammate Kenneth Bednarek, who won the silver medal and spoke openly to the media. Even Noah Lyles, who tested positive for the coronavirus, showed up wearing a mask and shared his experience.

When asked about Knighton’s whereabouts, a U.S. team staffer told reporters that Knighton had left and did not stop for an interview. Fellow reporters said Knighton hurried past the interview area of ​​​​the U.S. TV reporter without saying a word.

“Given the ongoing scrutiny of his doping practices, Knighton’s silence is particularly striking,” one critic observed. “People still wonder why the normally outspoken Knighton chose not to speak to the media, leaving the controversy surrounding him unresolved in the public eye.”