Another Graham Athlete Tests Positive

LaTasha Jenkins is the latest athlete coached by Trevor Graham to have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, according to sources.

Jenkins’ “A” sample from an in-competition test in late July was found to contain metabolites of the anabolic steroid nandrolone, the sources confirmed.

If that result is confirmed by the “B” sample, Jenkins faces a two-year ban.

Jenkins, 28, the 2001 world indoor silver medalist at 200 meters, had returned to track and field competition this season after retiring in 2003. She joined Graham’s Sprint Capitol team in the fall of 2004 but was bothered by knee problems last year.

This season, she finished third in the 200 meters at the U.S. championships. Her time of 22.50 seconds in the first-round heat makes her eighth-fastest on the 2006 world list.

Jenkins is the 11th athlete to have tested positive while being coached by Graham.

The biggest name on that list is Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, who faces an eight-year suspension after testing positive for the steroid testosterone in a urine sample given April 22.

Jenkins finished second in the 100 meters Sunday in Monaco but withdrew Wednesday from the 100 in today’s Grand Prix meet in Brussels.

Jenkins’ agent, Mark Block, said by telephone Thursday from Brussels that the runner had complained of pain in a knee and asked to go home to have it checked. Block said the pain has been a recurring problem.

Jenkins could not be reached for comment.

At the U.S. championships, Jenkins told the Indianapolis Star she had retired after 2003 because she was discouraged that the sport was plagued with doping. Of choosing Graham when she decided to return, Jenkins said, “He’s a great coach. I mean, the thing about Trevor is he is technical.”

Jenkins benefited from the doping confessions of U.S. sprinter Kelli White to inherit the bronze medal from the 2001 outdoor world championships.