Caffeine Costs Miller a Medal
Inger Miller, a former world champion at 200 meters, tested positive for caffeine during the 1999 world indoor championships and will be stripped of her bronze medal.
The failed drug test for high levels of caffeine had not been disclosed previously by USA Track and Field, the sport’s domestic governing body.
USATF said it upheld a February ruling of its appeals board.
The International Assn. of Athletic Federations said Miller’s letter of explanation in January 2000 was insufficient.
“As a result USATF is imposing the sanction of disqualification from the 1999 world indoor championships and is issuing this public warning,” the organization said.
The 29-year-old American, who attended USC and Pasadena Muir High, finished third in the 60-meter race at the 1999 world indoors in Maebashi, Japan. Miller blamed meet organizers for providi1852252264 “It’s perplexing. I was provided with it and now I’m getting a sanction for that,” Miller said after her final appeal was turned down by USATF. “It wasn’t something that I intentionally tried to take to drink, you know, two pots of coffee or two six-packs of Coke, or anything like that.
“I’ve been more careful since this incident happened. ... Obviously, the day of the race I’m not going to drink any caffeinated product.
“That’s just the way it is now.”
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