Findlay banned for positive drug test

Mark Findlay, one of Britain's most promising young sprinters, has been banned for two years after testing positive for a banned steroid.

Mark Findlay, one of Britain's most promising young sprinters, has been banned for two years after testing positive for a banned steroid.

Findlay, a 22-year-old Londoner who has competed internationally at under-23 level in the 100 and 200 metres for Britain, gave a sample which contained the anabolic steroid stanozolol on 27 July.

The Blackheath Harrier has told UK Athletics that he has recently changed his medication for an unnamed long-term medical condition.

Findlay has accepted the automatic two-year ban, which will rule him out of all competition until 29 August 2002, but he may apply to the International Amateur Athletic Federation for early reinstatement on grounds of exceptional circumstances.

A spokesman for UK Athletics said: "Mark has admitted that he recently changed the medication he was taking for a medical condition. He has also admitted that this medication contained the drug identified within the sample.

"Unfortunately Mark had not checked the medication prescribed did not contain any prohibited substances. An automatic ban has been imposed from 29 August 2000.

"The case highlights the importance of all athletes stringently checking all medication, or other supplements they may take, for prohibited substances."

Findlay came fifth in a 100m invitation race in the British Grand Prix at Crystal Palace in August, running 10.37 seconds in a contest won by Britain's World Junior Games hopeful Mark Lewis-Francis in 10.10sec.