It’s a real bummer for track fans. Erriyon Knighton, the 21-year-old sprinter once thought to be the next Usain Bolt, is now banned from racing for four years.
The reason? Steroids.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said he tested positive for a steroid this summer. The result is a four-year ban, taking out one of America’s most talented track athletes.
A Star on the Rise
Knighton’s story was like a movie. A fast kid from Florida who broke records when he was 17. At 18, he was up against older, experienced athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. He then set a world record in the under-20 group for the 200 meters. People started calling him the next Usain Bolt because of his long strides, power, and how confident he was. He wasn’t just good; he seemed like he was going to be a big deal. He gave hope to Team USA, gave fans something to look forward to, and was a marketing dream for companies. That’s why this news is so tough to hear.
Four Years Wasted
In track and field, time away can mess you up. Four years feels like forever in an athlete’s career. Knighton will be out for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a home Olympics where he could have been the star. Instead, he won’t be able to race again until he’s 25. Sprinting is hard on your body, and taking that much time off can change everything. You can lose what makes you special, and fans might forget about you. It’s hard to come back from that kind of break.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social media went crazy when the news came out. Some fans were crushed, because they had been following him from the start. They defended him when others said he was too young or didn’t have enough experience. Now, they feel let down. Other fans are waiting to see what happens, thinking it could be a mistake or a problem with a supplement. Doping cases can be tricky, but the report says it was steroids, which is not good. Some people are mad at the system and how much pressure is put on young athletes. At 21, Knighton had to deal with being called the next Bolt. Maybe he couldn’t handle it, or someone around him pushed him too hard or gave him bad advice. Whatever the reason, he’s out for four years.
Track and Field’s Ongoing Issue
This isn’t new to track. The sport has a history of doping with names like Ben Johnson and Marion Jones. Every scandal hurts the sport’s image. Every positive test makes fans wonder who is competing fairly. Knighton was supposed to be different as a natural talent who stopped playing football to focus on sprinting. Now, that’s ruined, and the sport takes another hit.
The Personal Side
Knighton is only 21. Most people his age are still in college or figuring out what they want to do. Knighton had deals worth millions, cameras everywhere, and Olympic finals. That’s a lot to handle, with everyone comparing him to Bolt and saying he was America’s sprinting savior. Did that get to him? Maybe. Did someone lead him down the wrong path? Possibly. Or maybe he just made a bad choice. We don’t know for sure, but he’ll have to deal with this for the rest of his career.
What This Means for Team USA
This ban doesn’t just hurt Knighton. It also hurts Team USA. America has been trying to catch up to Jamaica’s sprinting success for years, and Knighton was thought of as someone who could go up against Noah Lyles, win medals, and bring back the glory. Now, those hopes are on pause. For the sport, it’s another setback that makes it hard to get new fans. Track and field really needs those fans.
What’s Next for Knighton?
He can appeal, but it’s not common for a four-year ban to be reversed. Even if it’s shortened, he’ll still miss the Los Angeles Olympics and lose time, sponsors, and money. Could he come back in 2029? Sprinters can reach their best in their mid-20s, but it’s hard to know if he’ll be the same after four years away.
In Short
Erriyon Knighton’s story is a warning. One test, one bad choice, or maybe one bad influence can change everything. Fans are let down, Knighton’s life is changed forever, and track and field has another problem to fix. The sport will go on, and new stars will show up, but Knighton’s name will always bring up questions. What if he stayed clean? What if he had shined in Los Angeles 2028? What if he really was the next Bolt? We might never know.
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