'Ben Johnson fails drug test, again'

German newspaper claims that the sprinter had traces of a diuretic in his A sample

Disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson has failed another drugs test, according to German newspaper Express.

Disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson has failed another drugs test, according to German newspaper Express.

Johnson was discovered to have traces of a diuretic (a masking agent) in his A sample and the results from the B sample will be made known shortly from the Montreal laboratory.

The Canadian clocked an astonishing 9.79 seconds to 'win' the 1988 Seoul Olympics but was forced to give up his medal when he tested positive for anabolic steroids in the post-race tests.

His world record was eradicated and Carl Lewis handed the gold medal, while Johnson picked up a four-year ban.

Almost immediately after his return in 1993, Johnson failed a further test in Montreal and was banned for life from competition.

He has recently been attempting to overturn his life ban and has taken part in anti-drug campaigns in Canada.

Just last month he reached a new low when he took part in a race against a horse.