Merlene Ottey Acquitted by the IAAF Arbitration Panel

Ljubljana, Slovenia-- The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Arbitration Panel consisting of chairman Prof. Christoph Vedder from Germany, Judge Kevin Murphy from the United States and Monty Hacker from South Africa found Ms. Merlene Ottey not guilty of a doping offense and dismissed all charges against her. Ms. Ottey is eligible to compete worldwide with immediate effect and all her results from 1999 and 2000 become official.

This decision confirms an earlier decision made on November 13, 1999 by an independent Jamaican Tribunal appointed by the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Federation (JAAA).

Merlene Ottey (Video Clip):
"I am very relieved and happy about this ruling. It confirms my innocence once again. It has been a difficult and emotionally draining time for me. However, I have been training well in preparation for the Olympic Games in Sydney and I am looking forward to my first competition. I would like to thank my defense team and all the people around the world and at home in Jamaica who have supported me during this difficult time."