BALCO Effects Begin with Sprinter

The first athelete banned from the Olympics because of the Balco case was U.S. sprinter Kelli White. White, the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200 meter sprints, was stripped of her accomplishments since 2000 and banned from competition for two years. Sadly, this is probably only the beginning of the Balco related suspensions for USA Track. White never tested positive after a race, but admitted to using performance enhancing drugs after being shown evidence on her drug usage.

Reports say Marion Jones, possibly the biggest name in track, is also being investigated for use of THG (tetrahydrogestrinone), the designer steroid manufactured by Balco, or the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative. Earlier this week, Jones threatened to sue if she was banned from competition without a positive drug test. Her boyfriend, Tim Montgomery is reportedly being investigated as well.

Performance enhancing drug use is such a black eye on sports. Gothamist agrees with Maurice Green when he says, "There is no room in our sport for drug cheaters whatsoever." Two Yankees also have reported connections with Balco - Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield.