The World Anti-Doping Agency has demanded that Olympic officials launch an inquiry into the United States gold medal in the 4x400 metres relay at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The demand was prompted by an article in the Los Angeles Times which alleged Jerome Young, a member of the US relay squad, tested positive for a banned steroid a year before the Games.

According to the newspaper report, Young, winner of the 400 metres at the world championships in Paris, was cleared by USA Track and Field after an appeal.

WADA president Dick Pound says the legitimacy of the US win in the relay event at Sydney is now shattered and accused the US track and field federation of a conspiracy of silence.

Pound has written to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and asked the IOC to get the full facts and take appropriate measures as soon as possible.

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