Tired of racing drug cheats, Carter ready to give up hurdles

By Gary Smith, World-Track

EUGENE – The experienced American James Carter is contemplating switching from the 400-metres hurdles to the decathlon.

The 31-year-old three-time U.S. champion, who on Sunday failed to qualify for the World Championships, said he is growing weary of luring sponsors, in addition to the grueling travels, which sometimes resulted in him racing against cheaters.

“I don’t want to do it anymore,” Carter said. “The hassle of going through the hassles.

“I’m tired of racing drugs. I think it’s worldwide. I think it’s all over.

“There’s been times that I come up short — I know it wasn’t just because I didn’t do what I was supposed to do,” he continued.

“I feel that way. I’m not putting the blame on any one or two people, I’m not calling anyone’s name or whatever. I know what I know.”

Carter, the silver medallist in the event at the 2005 world championships in Helsinki, suffered a hamstring injury in the finals of the 400m hurdles Sunday, which ended his pursuit of winning a medal in Berlin.

Feeling exhausted and drained with the hurdles, he admits he could change disciplines with a possibility of challenging himself in the decathlon.

“I’m serious,” he said. “I’m good at a whole bunch of events. I would consider the decathlon.”

(Miranda Mitchell also contributed to this article)