AIU appeals to CAS decision to find US rider Knighton not guilty of doping

Independent athletics body AIU has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) decision to acquit American runner Errion Knighton of a possible anti-doping rule violation.

“The AIU challenged the first instance decision, which established the absence of guilt or negligence on the part of the athlete,” the organization’s official website states.

Knighton tested positive for a metabolite of trenbolone on March 26. He was temporarily suspended from competition on April 12. During hearings, which took place on June 14 and 16, the athlete was able to prove that the banned drug had accidentally entered his body. At the hearing, an independent arbitrator determined that Knighton’s positive test was most likely due to contamination from meat consumed by the athlete. Trenbolone is used in the United States as a growth stimulant for livestock. Knighton tested positive out of competition, so USADA decided not to disqualify the rider and he was able to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) have called Knighton’s situation an example of double standards on the part of USADA.

Knighton, 20, won bronze in the 200m at the 2022 World Cup and silver at the 2023 World Cup. At the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, he finished fourth in the distance.

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