Traves Smikle to be investigated for doping

Olympic discus thrower Traves Smikle has become the latest Jamaican athlete to confirm he is being investigated in a doping scandal.

Smikle said in a statement that his urine sample at the Jamaica trials last month revealed an adverse analytical finding. He said he did not knowingly or wilfully take any banned substance and he has requested an analysis of the B sample.

“I am very saddened and surprised by these findings, as I have never attempted to cheat and have always considered myself an ambassador for the sport and a strong supporter of drug testing,” Smikle said.

The announcement came days after Asafa Powell and fellow track star Sherone Simpson tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrone at the national championships. Powell has said he did not cheat, while the trainer for both athletes has denied giving them performance-enhancing drugs as others have alleged.

Discus thrower Allison Randall and another unnamed athlete also returned positives for banned substances at the same meet.