EUGENE, OREGON – For the first time ever at the U.S. Track and Field trials, athletes will be subject to blood testing for banned substances.

Random athletes along with the top three finishers will be tested by the  in conjunction with the rules set by the International Association of Athletics Federation.

The U.S. Olympic swimming trials, which begin Sunday, in Omaha, Neb., will also undergo blood testing as well.

Blood testing is able to detect performance-enhancing drugs such as human growth hormone, a substance that would go underdiscovered through urinalysis.

Athletes were notified prior to the start of the Trials in Eugene via e-mail on Tuesday that they would be subjected to a two-part blood test during the competition.

It sucks for the athletes who are afraid of needles but it’s great for the sport of track and field, who’se image has taken a major hit in the past five years.

Any guesses as to the first athlete to test positive for a banned substance?

And no, you can’t guess Justin Gatlin, he’s not here.

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