International officials are looking at the bright side of the latest doping scandals to jolt track and field.
The positive tests that nabbed top-name sprinters Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson are disappointing but also proof that global drug-testing efforts are working, the IOC and IAAF said yesterday.
The cases, which were disclosed Sunday, come less than a month before the World Championships in Moscow and cast another drug shadow over what is considered the marquee sport of the Olympics.
"I am naturally disappointed, and I would like to reiterate our zero-tolerance policy against doping," IOC President Jacques Rogge said in a statement to The Associated Press.
"Clearly, the fight against doping can never be totally won, but these cases do once again show the effectiveness of the strong, sophisticated and continually evolving battle against doping in sport being waged by the International Olympic Committee and its partners in the Olympic Movement."
Gay, the American-record holder in the 100 and the fastest man at the distance this year, said he tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition doping control on May 16. He hasn't identified the substance and is awaiting the testing of his backup "B'' sample.
Powell, the former world-record holder in the 100 and second-fastest man this year, tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at Jamaica's national championships last month. Jamaican teammate Simpson, a three-time Olympic medalist, tested positive for the same stimulant.
In total, five Jamaican athletes tested positive for a banned substance at the national championships, including Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall. The other two athletes have not been identified by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.
