The dilemma of Olympian sprinter Crystal Cox will continue as the Olympic organization and the International Association of Athletics Federations looks into her case. Cox was already handed 4-year ban and was stripped off her medals when the US Anti-Doping Agency accused her of using a banned substance. Although the sprinter said thru email that she never used anabolic steroids and was only forced to sign the suspension because of the threat of a lifetime ban in athletics.

Cox will be facing a tougher investigation when the International Olympic Committee and the International Association of Athletics Federations conduct their separate investigation on the case. This will be another blow to the US athletics since the investigation will focus not only on Cox but to the entire national relay team. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in an interview that the IOC is looking into the file and considering setting up a disciplinary commission. The olympic body previously stripped off the medals of the US national relay team in 2000 Sydney Games.

The admission of sprinter Marion Jones that she used steroids during the Sydney Olympic caused the entire team to lose their medals. The gold medals in the 4×400 relay and bronze in the 4×100 relay were forfeited by the olympic organization. However, the other team members of the relay team appealed their case in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They argued that they were not involved or used any banned substances when participated in the Sydney games. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is due to decide on the appeal this year.

The US men’s relay team also suffered the same fate when they were stripped off their gold medals in the 4×400 relay. Sprinters Antonio Pettigrew and Jerome Young admitted that they used steroids.

The investigation may be shelved for a moment because the IOC and IAAF are still waiting for the results of the appeal of the U.S. women’s relay team. According to IAAF spokesman, Nick Davies, the issue will be examined by the IAAF’s ruling council at its meeting in Doha, Qatar, in March. This will be discussed during the world indoor championships.

The international rules states that doping of one member will also cause the disqualification for the entire team. The IOC can also impose punishment retroactively. The medals of sprinters Sanya Richards, Dee Dee Trotter, Monique Henderson, Monique Hennegan and Moushaumi Robinson could be forfeited if the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejects the appeal of the Sydney relay team. The gold medals will be awarded to Russia and the bronze medals will go to Jamaica who ranked 3rd in the event.

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