Sherone Simpson - File

Jamaica's track and field fraternity was yesterday jolted by news comparable to a category five hurricane, after it was revealed that five athletes have returned adverse analytical findings.

As if the positive test returned by sprint queen Veronica Campbell-Brown last month was not enough, former world record holder Asafa Powell and 2004 Olympic relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson are among the five, who returned positive test results at last month's National Trials.

The other three athletes include Allison Randal, Travis Smikle and a fifth unconfirmed athlete said to be a junior.

According to the Chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, Dr Herb Elliott, four of the five athletes have been informed with the fifth set to be notified upon return to the island today.

From the date of being informed the athletes will have seven days to make it known whether they want their B samples to be tested or they accept the findings.

terrible time

"It is a terrible time for us, but these things happen and we have to go through them," Elliott said. "We set up an anti-doping process in Jamaica and this is part of it. For those who have been complaining that we are not testing in Jamaica I think we have proof."

The drug that is reported to have turned up in Powell's and Simpson's A samples is a stimulant called oxilofrine (methylsynephrine).

"It's mainly used by people with low blood pressure," local anti-doping and sports medicine expert Dr Paul Wright said.

"It can be used to build up back their blood pressure or it can be used as a stimulant. It gets its popularity in sports, as it helps people to run faster."

Powell and Simpson yesterday issued statements confirming that they have been informed of the positive test results.

"This is a very difficult time for me," said Simpson, a 2004 Olympic relay gold medallist.

Meanwhile, Powell, a member of Jamaica's Beijing Olympics gold-medal-winning relay team said he was surprised at the finding.

"This result has left me completely devastated in many respects," he said.

President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Dr Warren Blake, refused to comment on the reports, pending the B samples being tested.

"As is the policy, I do not comment on any A sample result," Blake said.

Asafa Powell