Olympic Sprinter Pettigrew Admits Doping

2000 gold medalist 'fesses up in trial against former coach

By Jamie Buss, Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 3:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Former Olympic gold medalist Antonio Pettigrew passed all his drug tests during his career—but admitted in court yesterday that he took steroids. The confession came at the trial of his former coach, Trevor Graham, who has pleaded not guilty to charges he lied to federal authorities investigating doping allegations. Pettigrew testified that Graham encouraged him to use banned substances in 1997.

The sprinter admitted he performed better after taking the drugs. “I was running incredible times as I was preparing for track meets," he testified. "I was able to recover faster." Pettigrew won a gold medal in Sydney in 2000 in the 4x400 meter relay. It's unclear what penalties he may now face.

Track coach Trevor Graham. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

Track star Marion Jones, who has admitted taking steroids, with coach Trevor Graham. (AP Photo)

The US men's 4x400-meter relay team celebrates after winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Sydney. Antonio Pettigrew is pictured on the left. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle, File)

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US Sprinter Giving Back Gold Over Teammate's Doping

Michael Johnson 'betrayed' by Olympic relay-mate Pettigrew's cheating admission

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Pettigrew lost gold medal after doping scandal

IOC Strips Gold From 2000 US Relay Team

Move follows athlete's admission of doping

Marion Jones Signs With WNBA Team

Disgraced Olympic sprinter newest member of Tulsa Shock

WNBA Next on Marion Jones' To-Do List

Disgraced track star helped North Carolina to '94 title

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