US sprint star Erriyon Knighton has been cleared to compete in the upcoming US Olympic track and field trials following a positive test for a banned steroid earlier this year. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced on Wednesday that an arbitrator ruled the substance was ingested through contaminated meat.

Knighton, who won a silver medal in the 200m at the 2023 World Championships and a bronze in the same event at the 2022 Worlds, tested positive for trenbolone during an out-of-competition test in March. Following hearings held on June 14 and 16, an independent arbitrator concluded the case was a "no fault" violation, thus avoiding suspension for the sprinter.

USADA Chief Executive Travis Tygart stated, "We did what the rules require us to do in all positive cases. We can take comfort that justice was served and transparency as required by the rules was achieved."

The arbitrator determined that Knighton's positive test result was "more likely than not caused by consuming meat contaminated with trenbolone." Trenbolone is identified by USADA as a livestock growth promoter legally used in beef cattle in the United States.

Since Knighton's test occurred outside of competition, no competitive results are subject to disqualification. Knighton, who was provisionally suspended on April 12, 2024, has had his suspension lifted immediately and is now eligible to compete at the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, starting on Friday.

This decision allows Erriyon Knighton to continue his promising sprinting career and compete for a place on the US Olympic team, putting the controversy of his positive test behind him.