COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (AFP) — United States gymnastics star Morgan Hamm's bid for his third Olympics could be in jeopardy following a positive drug test.
USA Gymnastics said Thursday it is reviewing the case and trying to decide whether or not to kick Hamm off Team USA for the Beijing Games.
Hamm already has been issued a warning by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and his results from the day of his positive test at the US gymnastics championships on May 24 were wiped out after it was revealed he tested positive for a prohibited substance.
"USA Gymnastics has received notification from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regarding Morgan Hamm's positive drug test and resulting public warning," USA gymnastics spokesperson Leslie King said Thursday.
"USA Gymnastics will review this situation to determine how this may impact his qualification to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team."
The 25-year-old Hamm, who is the twin brother of reigning Olympic all-around gymnastics champ Paul Hamm and had already competed in two Olympics, tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide.
Triamcinolone acetonide is used as an anti-inflammatory medication by athletes and is prohibited under the rules of the International Gymnastics Federation and USADA.
Some athletes are permitted to use the drug if they and their doctor seek an exemption prior to the start of competition.
USADA said Hamm had a prescription from a doctor to use the anti-inflammatory medication but failed to get a pre-competition exemption.
"The doping offence involved the use of a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication under the care of a physician but without first seeking a therapeutic use exemption as required by the applicable rules," USADA said.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
