Regina Jacobs handed four-year ban by USADA

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By Simon Lewis SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SACRAMENTO, California - World indoor 1,500 meters champion Regina Jacobs was suspended for four years by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

The suspension was somewhat moot as Jacobs, 40, announced her retirement from track Thursday rather than compete in the 1,500 final Sunday - the same day she was due for her hearing into the charge.

USADA announced Jacobs tested positive for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) a previously undetectable designer steroid - at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Stanford, California, on June 21, 2003.

In that event, Jacobs won the 1,500 final over Suzy Favor Hamilton.

"Jacobs accepted USADA's recommended sanction and forfeits all of her results and winnings beginning on the day of the test, including her first-place finish in the 1500m on that day," the USADA said in a statement.

USA Track & Field, the sport's national governing body, later announced that Favor Hamilton had been elevated to 2003 U.S. champion in the 1,500, her fourth title at that distance.

Favor Hamilton made her first outdoor track appearance of the year Friday night when she returned from injury to qualify for Sunday's final.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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