American athlete suspended for two years

Olympic and world 400-metre champion LaShawn Merritt has been suspended for nearly two years for doping.



The 24-year-old American tested positive for testosterone three times between October 2009 and January 2010.



However with the 21-month ban running from October 28, 2009, when he first tested positive, he will be eligible for the 2011 World Championships next August.



Merritt, who won the 400-metre Olympic title in Beijing, accepted a provisional suspension earlier this year.



A statement from the US Anti-Doping Agency says as a result of the arbitration decision, Merritt received a 21-month period of ineligibility, which began October 28, 2009, the day the first sample was collected.



The statement further says Merritt has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved at and subsequent to October 28, 2009, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.



The American, who also clinched the world 400-metre title in Berlin last year, had admitted using an over-the-counter male enhancement product containing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenolone.



He claimed in April he had not been aware that the product he used contained the banned steroid and admitted he had made a foolish, immature and egotistical mistake.



The ruling by the three-man American Arbitration Association says Merritt wasn't training so he wasn't thinking about track.