U.S. track star returns Olympic gold

COLORADO SPRINGS, June 3 (UPI) -- Antonio Pettigrew Tuesday returned the Olympic gold medal he won at the 2000 Games in the 1,600-meter relay after admitting to a doping violation.

Pettigrew, 40, also voluntarily surrendered his 1997 and 1999 IAAF World Championship gold medals he received for the 1,600-meter relay events.

Pettigrew admitted using the prohibited substance erythropoietin, known as "EPO," and human growth hormone from 1997 through 2003. He also accepted a two-year ban on racing but he is already retired.

"It takes courage to accept full responsibility for such egregious conduct," U.S. Anti-Doping Chief Executive Officer Travis T. Tygart said. "Hopefully Mr. Pettigrew's case will serve as another powerful reminder to young athletes of the importance of competing clean."