It was big news in May of this year when star cyclist Quinton “The Baddest” Hamilton was suspended under suspicion of steroid use. After finishing 12th in this year’s Cross Country, Quinton tested positive for dexamethasone, a substance he uses to control his asthma. But asthma or not – it is a banned substance and the Cycling Association suspended him pending the outcome of a hearing. Well the news tonight is that the hearing is over and Quinton Hamilton has been vindicated. Cycling Association President Emil Moreno confirmed to us that the suspension was lifted last week. The Anti Doping Committee held a meeting at which Hamilton explained that he uses dexamethasone for his asthma. It was also discovered that the banned the substance was on last year’s list, not this one. It all boiled down to vindication for Hamilton.
Today we caught up with a relieved Quinton who is preparing for next week’s Krem New Year’s Day Cycling Race – his first big race since the suspension. He told us he always knew he was clean and now that he is back - he is badder.
Quinton Hamilton, Cyclist
“Well I just had my first race this Saturday. I felt okay and I am just waiting for the New Year’s race now. I was on my bike the whole year since the press release came out that I was temporarily suspended, even though in my books I wasn’t, but I wasn’t competing in any races after Cross Country and my first race back was this Saturday that went and right now I am preparing myself for the New Year’s Day coming up.”
Keith Swift,
“Have they said that yes indeed you didn’t use any banned substance?”
Quinton Hamilton,
“Well as I said I didn’t have nothing to hide. I was telling the truth. If I had something to hide I would have never went and take a test. Like I said it was something I used in the past for my medication and if the time comes that I have to use it I am going to use it or whatsoever to make me feel better. It is something for my health.
Performance wise, it kind of sticks you with a pin because everything that Quinton Hamilton does in a bicycle race is expected. I am a young old veteran like Kobe Bryant, I don’t know if you understand me in that form. So anything I did, that was expected because people know what I can do, I know what I can do, and my talent is there.”
Keith Swift,
“You fear that your career will be stained?”
Quinton Hamilton,
“Well to me it is already stained and I am just trying to gain back my name and try to clear up myself a little and trying to come back good on the cycling season and prove to people and prove to whatsoever happen after that with the organization and whatsoever. It is basically that for me.”
Keith Swift,
“But you want to get your name right?”
Quinton Hamilton,
“You can’t take that away because I made that name. You can’t take that away from me. The Baddest is back in full effect. Spread the word.”
Cycling Association President Emil Moreno conceded that they should have warned or reprimanded Quinton instead of suspending him.. He says that if Quinton intends to continue using dexamethasone – he needs to apply for a waiver.
