A welcome drug scandal in Olympic world.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Michelle Kaufman

MIAMI _ Several track and field athletes are applauding the announcement that urine samples from the summer's U.S. and World Championships will be retested for the steroid THG and that violators could face a lifetime ban in the future.

``I've had people ask me, `Do you think it's going to ruin your sport?' '' two-time world champion shot-putter John Godina told The Associated Press. ``But this is just better and better and better. Every time somebody gets caught, it improves your sport.''

Four American track and field athletes have tested positive for THG (tetrahydrogestrinone), a designer steroid that had been undetectable in drug tests. An unidentified coach gave the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency a syringe containing the drug, launching the investigation.

``I think he's a hero,'' said Stacy Dragila, the 2000 Olympic gold medalist and former world-record holder in the pole vault. ``I think a lot of people have been wanting to be able to be that person. For someone to take that step and go to that next level has really opened the doors.''

Gail Devers, the 37-year-old sprinter and hurdler, said the scandal was a major factor in her decision to keep competing. She wanted to be a clean role model at a time the sport faces another black eye.

``Everyone in track and field is not doing wrong,'' she said. ``Everyone in track and field is not making bad choices. I have respect for myself. I don't care what environment you came from. There's no excuses.''