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Smikle becomes latest athlete to fail doping test

Traves Smikle failed to reach the final of the discus throwing at London 2012 © Getty Images

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Discus thrower Traves Smikle has become the latest Jamaican athlete reveal he has failed a drugs test, testing positive for a banned substance.

The 21-year-old returned a positive A-sample at his country's national trials in June, but confirmed he has requested his B-sample to be tested.

Smikle follows compatriots Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson, Veronica Campbell-Brown and fellow discus thrower Allison Randal in recently failing doping tests.

"I must take responsibility for whatever is found in my body," Smikle said in a statement. "However, I didn't knowingly or wilfully ingest any banned substance. I have requested analysis of the B sample.

"I am willing and stand ready to work with JADCO [Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission] and the relevant authorities in any investigation to get this matter dealt with in the best way possible.

"Personally, I am very saddened and surprised by these findings, as I have never attempted to cheat and have always considered myself an ambassador for the sport and a strong supporter of drug testing."

Former 100m world record holder Powell and Simpson both tested positive for banned stimulant oxilofrine, while Campbell-Brown and Randall's samples tested positive for a banned diuretic.

On the same day it was revealed that Powell had failed a doping test, American sprinter Tyson Gay also confirmed he would miss August's World Championships in Moscow after falling foul of the drug testers.

Meanwhile, in another blow to Jamaica's team for the World Championships, 100m world champion Yohann Blake confirmed he had withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.

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