A Florida man is facing up to a decade in federal prison after admitting to his role in an international sports doping conspiracy that targeted the Olympic Games.
Paul Alexander Askew, 46, pleaded guilty in Orlando federal court to conspiracy to influence major international sports competitions by doping. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the plea, though a formal sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to federal court documents, the conspiracy operated between July 10, 2023, and January 31, 2024. During this time, Askew partnered with a professional track and field athlete and at least one other individual. Their goal was to supply the athlete with testosterone—a banned performance-enhancing substance—to boost their results on the global stage.
The illicit doping regimen was actively running during three major 2023 track and field events: the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee; the Xiamen Diamond League in China; and the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
Investigators uncovered the scheme before the athlete could participate in several upcoming high-profile events. However, court records reveal that Askew and the athlete intended to continue using illegal testosterone injections through the 2024 competitive season. Their planned schedule included the 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the 2024 United States Olympics Trials, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
The joint investigation was conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Flanigan is prosecuting the case.
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