LaShawn Merritt, 400 Meter World Champion Suspended For DHEA Use

by NowPublic Staff | October 18, 2010 at 10:54 am

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LaShawn Merritt Track And Field Suspension For Testing Positive For Testosterone Prohormones In Male Enhancement Drug, DHEA

LaShawn Merritt clearly did not need a boost on the track as he grabbed the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in the 400 meters.

But LaShawn Merritt perhaps felt he needs a boost for another activity - he tested positive 3 times for testosterone prohormones an ingredient in DHEA, a mail enhancement drug.

The American, who also clinched the world 400m title in Berlin last year, had admitted using an over-the-counter male enhancement product containing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenolone.

He claimed in April he had not been aware that the product he used contained the banned steroid and admitted he had made a "foolish, immature and egotistical mistake".

LaShawn Merritt was handed a 21 month suspension. He already accepted a provisional suspension.

The suspension is retroactive to last October so he will be able to compete for the 2011 world championships in August.