Updated 19.25
AMERICAN 100 METRE champion Tyson Gay plus Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson of Jamaica have all tested positive for banned substances and will not compete at next month’s track and field world championships in Moscow.
Gay, who recorded the fastest 100 metre time this year by beating Justin Gatlin to the US title in 9.75 seconds, has been informed of the result from an out of competition A sample in May by USADA.
Speaking to Reuters today, the 30-year-old said: “I don’t have a sabotage story… I basically put my trust in someone and was let down.”
Reportedly in tears, the second fastest man in history (behind Usain Bolt) added: “I made a mistake.”
Gay, who also competes over 200 metres, has pulled out of next weekend’s Diamond League meeting in Monaco and will await the B-Sample having declined to reveal the substance found in his sample.
Meanwhile, Jamaican news outlet The Gleaner today reported that five athletes there have recorded positive test. Powell, 30, was the first confirmed name among that group having tested positive for a stimulant.
Hot on his heels was the 28-year-old Simpson who was 2008 Olympic silver medalist in the women’s 100 metres.
Usain Bolt’s agent was quick to quash speculation that his client was one of the offending athletes.
