Four Warned but Cleared for Athens

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Four U.S. track and field athletes received public warnings for using the stimulant modafinil but will be allowed to compete in the Athens Olympics and other events this year.

Sprinter Chryste Gaines and hurdlers Sandra Glover and Eric Thomas tested positive for modafinil at the U.S. championships in June. Hurdler Chris Phillips tested positive at the world championships in August.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced Tuesday that all four had accepted their sanctions and would forfeit results from the events in which they tested positive.

In Thomas’ case, that meant his national championship in the 400-meter hurdles.

In 2003, modafinil was considered a minor stimulant that warranted only a disqualification. Starting this year, modafinil is classified as a serious stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list and carries a two-year ban.

Sprint champion Kelli White is still contesting her positive tests for modafinil at the U.S. and world championships. She expects to have an arbitration hearing next month.

White, who could lose world titles in the 100 and 200, said she was prescribed modafinil for a sleeping disorder.