Manteo Mitchell, an Olympic medallist, is suspended after testing positive in an out-of-competition test. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that an independent arbitrator concluded that the violation was not intentional. However, Mitchell was unable to prove contamination of the supplement.
The 38-year-old was handed a two-year suspension for being found guilty of an anti-doping violation. The sanction, confirmed by the USADA, was imposed on August 14.
Mitchell tested positive on February 2, 25. His sample revealed the presence of 18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl-17α-methyl-2α-methyl-5α-androst-13-en-3-one, a metabolite of oxymetholone and/or mestanolone. Both are classified as non-specified anabolic agents, prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Code.
The arbitrator ruled that the sprinter did not intentionally dope; therefore, set a period of ineligibility at two years, a half-length suspension.
The suspension is effective as of March 3. All results obtained since Feb. 2 are annulled, which includes forfeiture of medals, points and prize money.
Mitchell is a sprinter who has competed in the 60 metre to 400m and 4x400m events globally for the USA. His best over the distances is 44.96 in the 400m and 10.31 in the 100m, while his 200m PB is 20.47. He earned a silver medal in the 4x400m at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
