Jamaica appeals panel upholds ban for discus thrower Smikle

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) A Jamaican appeals panel has upheld Olympic discus thrower Traves Smikle's two-year ban for doping.

Smikle tested positive for the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic which can mask other drugs. His urine sample was taken at the Jamaica trials in June 2013.

The Caribbean island's national-record holder for discus has claimed he did not knowingly or willfully take any banned substance, and filed an appeal with the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission.

The JADCO appeals panel upheld Smikle's doping ban on Thursday.

Smikle threw for Jamaica at the 2012 London Olympics, but did not medal.

He was a relative unknown when he set Jamaica's national record of 67.12 meters earlier that year.