THE JAMAICA Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) confirmed yesterday that a prominent male athlete tested positive for the banned substance testosterone at the National Senior Championships last month.According to Dr. Paul Auden, the JAAA's medical officer, the athlete and his coach have been informed of the positive test.
"We sent off a written notice to him and his coach and he has (five days) to respond," Auden said.
He added that the athlete, a national champion and member of Jamaica's track and field team to the August 13-29 Athens Olympics, can order a test of the 'B' sample if he so desires.
Auden said there are indications that the positive test was not a deliberate attempt at drug use but the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
"We will be trying to help him," Auden said.
The JAAA's medical officer said he has requested from the athlete's coach a record of supplements he has been taking.
"This guy has no idea. He is totally naive to the whole thing. This was the first drug test he has done in his life. It's almost amazing," Auden said.
If the athlete is found guilty he will miss the Olympics and could be banned for a minimum of two years.
