INDIANAPOLIS, IN - USA Track & Field on Wednesday named
Torri
Edwards the 2003 USA outdoor champion in the women's 100 and
200 meters. She joins Bershawn Jackson in the men's 400-meter
hurdles, John Godina in the men's shot put and Anna Mahon in
the women's hammer throw as newly named winners at the 2003 USA
Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Edwards' titles were announced Wednesday after the U.S. Anti-
Doping Agency (USADA) announced a two-year ban for Kelli White,
who had won the 100 and 200 at the 2003 USA Outdoor
Championships.
"It's tragic any time an athlete makes a choice to cheat, but
we are glad Kelli is taking responsibility for her actions,"
said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "We thank USADA and the federal
government for their continued work in the fight against drugs.
Their leadership makes USATF's Zero Tolerance goals achievable."
USADA previously announced two-year suspensions for 2003 USA
champions Kevin Toth in the men's shot put and Melissa Price in
the women's hammer throw for THG use; men's 400-meter hurdler
Eric Thomas was disqualified for the use of stimulant modafinil.
"We congratulate Torri, John, Bershawn and Anna on their
outstanding 2003 seasons," said Masback. "They are deserving of
these national titles."
Edwards earns her first national titles and will defend those
crowns at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. A three-
time world champion, Godina now owns four U.S. outdoor titles,
and 2002 USA junior champion Jackson picks up his first USA
title.