April 20, 2004

Associated Press

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Four U.S. track and field athletes have received public warnings for using the stimulant modafinil, but they can compete at the Athens Olympics.

Sprinter Chryste Gaines and hurdlers Sandra Glover and Eric Thomas tested positive for modafinil at the U.S. championships in June. Thomas was stripped of his national championship in the 400-meter hurdles. Hurdler Chris Phillips tested positive at the world championships in August.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says all four have accepted their sanctions, including a public warning and forfeiting results from the event where they tested positive.

Last year, modafinil was considered a minor stimulant that warranted only a disqualification. Starting this year, it's classified as a serious stimulant and carries a two-year ban.

Sprint champion Kelli White is contesting her positive tests for modafinil at the U.S. and world championships. She and Gaines are both coached by Remi Korchemny, one of four men charged earlier this year in California with distributing performance-enhancing drugs.