Athletes Fail Drug Tests

Five track and field athletes, including Americans Mike Gravelle and Gea Johnson, have been suspended after failing recent drug tests.

Gravelle, the top-ranked U.S. discus thrower; Johnson, a former NCAA heptathlon champion; and Jamaican sprinter Aston Morgan, the world leader in the 55 meters this season, were among the athletes facing four-year bans.

Gravelle, 29, of San Francisco, and Johnson, 27, of Monticello, Utah, flunked out-of-competition tests in the United States last year.

Gravelle tested positive for testosterone, while Johnson tested positive for steroids, International Amateur Athletic Federation spokesman Christopher Winner said.

“I’m devastated,” Gravelle said. “This is a sport I’ve given my life to. If this is how my track and field life is going to end, I’m heartbroken, because I’m innocent.”