Doping officials put positive spin on bust

International officials are looking on the bright side of the latest doping scandals to jolt track and field.

The positive tests that nabbed top-name sprinters Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson are disappointing, but also proof that global drug-testing efforts are working, the IOC and IAAF said on Monday.

The cases, which were disclosed on Sunday, come less than a month before the World Championships in Moscow and cast another drug shadow over what is considered the marquee sport of the Olympics.

"I am naturally disappointed, and I would like to reiterate our zero-tolerance policy against doping," IOC president Jacques Rogge said.

"Clearly, the fight against doping can never be totally won, but these cases do once again show the effectiveness of the strong, sophisticated and continually evolving battle against doping in sport being waged by the IOC and partners in the Olympic Movement."

Gay, the American-record holder in the 100m and the fastest man at the distance this year, said he tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition doping control on May 16. He hasn't identified the substance and is awaiting the testing of his backup "B" sample.

Powell, the former world-record holder in the 100m and second-fastest man this year, tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at Jamaica's national championships last month. Jamaican team-mate Simpson, a three-time Olympic medallist, tested positive for the same stimulant.

In total, five Jamaican athletes tested positive for a banned substance at the national championships, including Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall.

The other two athletes have not been identified by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.

On Monday, Adidas suspended its sponsorship of Gay, who has endorsed the sports shoe maker since 2005. It invoked a clause in Gay's contract relating to doping.

"We are shocked by these recent allegations, and even if we presume his innocence until proven otherwise, our contract with Tyson is currently suspended," Adidas said.

Also on Monday, Italian police confiscated unidentified substances in a raid on the hotel where Powell and Simpson were staying. Rooms of the athletes and physical trainer Christopher Xuereb of Canada were searched and drugs and supplements were seized, Udine police captain Antonio Pisapia said.

"We are examining the substances now. No arrests have been made," Pisapia said.

The news came a month after Jamaican Olympic gold medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown tested positive for a banned diuretic.