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Jamaica threatened with Olympics expulsion over failed drug tests

Sprinters Veronica Campbell-Brown, left, and Sherone Simpson are among a handful of Jamaican athletes who've recently tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
(Kim Jae-Hwan / Getty Images)
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In the wake of numerous failed drug tests, the World Anti-Doping Agency has threatened to expel Jamaica from the Olympics if the country does not strengthen its monitoring system.

A handful of athletes from the island nation -- including marquee sprinters Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Sherone Simpson -- have recently tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

If the situation continues to worsen, Usain Bolt could be prevented from trying for a three-peat in the 100 and 200 meters at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

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The former executive director of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has said that her country’s program for keeping athletes clean is inadequate and blamed politicians and adminstrators for turning a blind eye.

“They believe Jamaica does not have a problem,” Renee Anne Shirley told the Telegraph in Great Britain.

Shirley quit her post earlier this year and voiced concerns in a Sports Illustrated article. WADA’s director general, David Howman, has asked Jamaican officials to conduct a thorough investigation.

“WADA expects the concerns to be addressed urgently and appropriately,” the agency said in a statement.

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