Jamaica scotches doping talk after track success

BEIJING (AFP) - Jamaican track and field officials were quick Saturday to scotch any rumours that their star Olympic medalling athletes were doped, saying that more than half of the team had been tested in Beijing.

In the face of a misfiring US team, Jamaica has made merry at the National Stadium in the Chinese capital, winning all four sprint titles and the men's 4x100m relay. There have also medalled in the women's 400m flat and hurdles.

The charge has been led by Usain Bolt, who set an unprecedented tally of three world records in claiming gold in the 100m, 200m and as part of the 4x100m relay team.

The 22-year-old said he had been continually targeted for doping tests.

"We've been tested a lot," he said. "I was tested four times (in Beijing) before even running, they took blood and urine tests.

"We know we're clean. We work hard. Anytime they want to test it's pretty good for us.

"Jamaica's a very proud country. We work very hard to stay on top. We have some serious coaches who really push us to be the best we can."