OLYMPIC STARS SUSPENDED FOR DRUG ABUSE

TWO of the biggest names in athletics - shot putter Randy Barnes and
sprinter Dennis Mitchell - have been suspended indefinitely for taking
drugs.

Barnes, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist and world indoor and outdoor
record-holder, and Mitchell, the 1992 Olympic 100 metres bronze
medalist, were cited yesterday by the sport's world governing body for
failing drug tests on 1 April.

The Americans are two of the biggest profile athletes to be suspended
from track and field, following Ben Johnson at the 1988 Olympics,
Butch Reynolds in 1990 and Mary Slaney in 1997. Slaney was eventually
cleared, and is running again.

The test results are another blow in the battle against drugs in
sport, coming just a week after the Festina team were thrown out of
the Tour de France when a cache of drug was found in their doctor's
car.

The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) conducted
random out-of-competition tests that caught both athletes on 1 April.

Barnes tested positive for androstenedine while Mitchell had too great
a concentration of testosterone.

So far only the A samples have been tested. However, that is
sufficient for the IAAF to levy a suspension.

If their B samples an positive, the IAAF will then rule on the
severity of the punishment pending a hearing by USA Track and Field.
If the B sample is negative, they are cleared.

Barnes could be banned for life as this is his second offence. He was
banned for two years starting in 1991 for the banned substance,
methyltestosterone.

This would be the first offence for Mitchell, 32, who was fourth in
the 100m at the Atlanta Oympics in 1996. If found guilty following the
B sample, he would probably receive a two year ban.

The suspensions were handed down last week but were only revealed
yesterday. In Mitchell's case, the suspension came after he competed
at the Goodwill Games last week, where he finished fifth in the lOOm
and was a member of the triumphant United States 4xlOOm relay team,
running third after Jon Drummond and Tim Harden and handing to anchor
Maurice Greene. He underwent a test at the Games, but officials say no
positive samples have been returned.

He had entered a Grand Prix meeting last week that served as a
farewell to Jackie Joyner-Kersee. but did not compete.

IAAF spokesman Giorgio Reneiri revealed that Mitchell had been asked
to "give some medical explanation" for the findings.

"A few days ago, the explanation was received and the doping
commission decided to suspend the athlete," Reneiri said.

Ironically, Mitchell is president of USA Track and Field's Athletes
Advsory Committee, the athletes' voice in the national governing body,
which has taken a hard stance against drugs in sport.

Checked-by: "Rich O'Grady"