USADA Announces Ajee' Wilson to Lose American Indoor 800-Meter Record After Eating Tainted Beef

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

USADA announced Monday that Ajee' Wilson has tested positive for the anabolic agent zeranol. Her test came after her American record performance in the 800 meters Feb. 11 at the NYRR Millrose Games. Her time of 1:58.27 bettered Nicole Teter's 1:58.71 from 2002.

While investigating the circumstances of Wilson's positive test, USADA determined Wilson was at no fault or negligence for the ingestion of zeranol. As part of the investigation, USADA reviewed Wilson's dietary habits and recent food receipts. The amount of zeranol in Wilson's system was low and there was no presence of the drug in a doping sample taken the week prior.

Zeranol is a legal growth promotant for cattle in the United States, used to make cattle grow bigger and produce more beef. The circumstances surrounding Wilson's positive test led USADA to conclude the presence of zeranol in her sample to have come from contaminated beef.

Wilson will not face suspension or any period of ineligibility for the positive finding against her. However, she will be disqualified from all competitive results Feb. 11, namely the American record setting 800-meter race at the NYRR Millrose Games. She must also return the prize money she earned from her win.

In the same race Charlene Lipsey, Wilson's teammate, also bettered Teter's American record, running 1:58.64. If record-setting protocols were also followed for Lipsey, the record would go to her. If not, Teter's record will still stand.