Jerome Young salvages another tough day for U.S. at worlds Wednesday

SAINT-DENIS, France — Only a surprise victory by Jerome Young in the 400 meters salvaged another tough day for the United States at the World Track and Field Championships.

Gail Devers failed to make the finals in the 110-meter hurdles and 17-year-old Allyson Felix had a tough debut as a professional Tuesday when she couldn't advance past the second round in the 200.

Off the track, Jon Drummond withdrew from the meet and the rest of the season in response to Sunday's temper tantrum in the second heat of the 100 meters, only to have the International Amateur Athletic Federation kick him out of the meet, anyway.

World record-holder Tim Montgomery, fifth in Monday night's 100 meters, abruptly left for home with girlfriend Marion Jones, leaving a severely depleted pool of U.S. runners for the 400-meter relay.

"You'll have to ask Tim Montgomery," U.S. men's coach Bubba Thornton said when asked if he knew why the team's leading sprinter had gone home.

Even the lone American victory Tuesday night at Stade de France was tainted by a report of a 4-year-old drug case.

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that Young tested positive for a banned steroid in 1999 but was allowed to compete in the 2000 Olympics. Young appealed the positive test and the results were overturned by U.S. track officials, the Times reported, citing documents and unidentified track sources familiar with the case.

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach Young at the World Championships in Saint-Denis, France, were unsuccessful Wednesday. USA Track and Field officials told the AP that they couldn't comment on the report or on drug accusations involving any U.S. athlete.

Tyree Washington, unbeaten all season, was the overwhelming favorite in Tuesday night's race but was beaten soundly by his good friend Young.

"I mean, I feel bad," Washington said. "I just want to cry."

Young, once the heir apparent to Michael Johnson, controlled the race most of the way to win in 44.50 seconds and give the United States just its second gold medal in the meet's first four days. Washington leaned just enough to get second in 44.77. Marc Raquil of France was third in 44.79.

"Tonight is a great moment," Young said. "All I did was stay in control of myself and not worry about anybody else. I ran a perfect race today."