Athletics: American runner tests positive for banned substance

American 800m runner Hazel Clark tested positive for the banned substance pseudoephedrine at the American indoor track and field championships, the United States anti-doping agency revealed yesterday.

The 23-year-old, a 2000 Olympian, has been issued with a public warning and will be disqualified from her March 3 second-place finish in the 800m in Atlanta.

Pseudoephedrine, while banned by the International Amateur Athletic Federation, is a special category of prohibited substance because it is commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications.

A second offence would result in a two-year suspension from competition.