US SPRINTER Christian Coleman believes he will be cleared to run at next month’s IAAF Athletics World Championships in Doha following a hearing on September 4.
The world’s fastest man is fighting to save his reputation after allegations he missed three drugs tests within the space of 12 months.
Christian Coleman believes he will be cleared to run at the World Championships following a hearing on September 4[/caption]
If it is proved, then he could receive a two-year ban from track-and-field, which would mean he misses the event in Qatar and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In a statement issued to former Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Ato Boldon, Coleman said: “I’m not a guy who takes any supplements at all. So I’m never concerned about taking drug tests, at any time.
“What has been widely reported concerning filing violations is simply not true.
“I am confident the upcoming hearing on September 4 will clear the matter and I will compete at the world championships in Doha.
“Sometime after the hearing, I will be free to answer questions about the matter, but for now I must reserve and respect the process.”
Athletes have to supply drug testers with their specific whereabouts for one hour every day in case they are required to give an impromptu sample.
If they are not at the allocated location when testers arrived, then a strike goes against their name.
Three strikes would result in a suspension from the sport.
An USADA spokesperson said: “Given Mr. Coleman has now publicly commented on his case, we can confirm that he has been notified and charged under the USADA Protocol of a potential anti-doping rule violation for failing to properly file his whereabouts information.
“Under the World Anti-Doping Code three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period may be considered an anti-doping rule violation.
“Two of the three test attempts on Mr. Coleman were USADA directed and one of the attempts was initiated by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Given this, the case is proceeding under the USADA Protocol but we are working closely with the AIU on this matter.
“USADA exists to protect clean athletes and the integrity of competition by fairly enforcing the rules. All athletes under USADA’s jurisdiction are innocent and deserve to be seen as innocent unless and until proven to have committed a rule violation through the establish legal process as is their right.”
Meanwhile, Ojie Edoburun says Coleman can only blame himself if he falls foul of drug test rules.
The Shaftesbury Barnet runner broke down in tears as he became 100m champion at the Müller British Championships in Birmingham.
The 23-year-old was the surprise winner, edging out Adam Gemili and favourite Zharnel Hughes in a photo finish they recorded the same time of 10.18 seconds
But Edoburun said: “Just handle your responsibilities because the athletes are liable. I know that so he should know that if he’s the fastest man in the world.
“I’m on whereabouts with UKA and I just feel like missing three tests is easily avoidable.
“If he isn’t there it makes it a bit easier for me! Come Doha I’ll be on point.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
