Erriyon Knighton Handed Four-Year Ban by CAS After Failed Doping Appeal

 Erriyon Knighton Receives Four-Year Ban After CAS Doping Ruling

American sprint star Erriyon Knighton has been suspended from athletics for four years after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partially upheld appeals filed by World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The 21-year-old tested positive in March 2024 for trenbolone, a prohibited anabolic substance often linked to muscle growth. An earlier independent arbitration cleared him of wrongdoing, allowing him to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he finished fourth in the 200m final.

Initial Clearance Overturned

Knighton had originally avoided punishment by arguing that the positive test was caused by meat contamination. However, CAS rejected this defence, ruling that the explanation lacked credibility.

According to the panel, evidence presented “fell short of the required proof of source” and was “statistically impossible.” CAS added that no data supported the claim that oxtail imported into the United States could contain trenbolone at the levels detected in Knighton’s sample.

As a result, his clearance has been overturned, and the ban takes immediate effect.

Impact on Competitions

Knighton was already missing from Team USA’s squad for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (13–21 September). His suspension now ensures he will not compete internationally for the foreseeable future.

Another Star Affected

In a separate case, Ethiopian runner Diribe Welteji, the 2023 World Championships 1500m silver medalist, has also been sidelined. CAS upheld a provisional suspension against her after she allegedly failed or refused to provide a doping sample in August, according to Ethiopia’s anti-doping body.

Final Note

These back-to-back rulings highlight the firm stance sports authorities are taking against doping, reinforcing the global message that clean competition remains a top priority.