World-class sprinter Tyson Gay
appeared to be back on track after injuries plagued his career, but he
now faces an uphill climb after testing positive for a banned substance,
according to Pat Graham of the Associated Press.
The news comes prior to next month's world championships in Moscow,
from which Gay has already decided to withdraw. Although Gay hasn't
revealed which substance he tested positive for, he reportedly "fought
back sobs" during a telephone interview and claimed that he trusted
someone that he shouldn't have.
Per Graham, Gay stated, "I don't have a sabotage story. ... I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down."
According to the report, Gay tested positive for the banned
substance during an out-of-competition test on May 16. His "B" sample
has yet to be tested by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, but if
that sample also comes back positive, then Gay could face a lengthy ban.
Gay wasn't the only sprinter to test positive for banned
substances this weekend, as Asafa Powell and four other Jamaican
athletes tested positive as well.
Fellow American sprinter Justin Gatlin was suspended for four years
after testing positive for testosterone, and while he made a triumphant
comeback by earning a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at the 2012
Summer Olympics in London, Gay may not be so lucky.
Gay is already 30 years of age, so a potential
four-year ban would take him well outside his running prime. At the
London Games, he just missed the podium in the 100-meter dash, as he
finished behind Gatlin as well as Jamaican stars Usain Bolt and Yohan
Blake.
It remains to be seen if Gay will get another chance to achieve
Olympic glory. There is still a long process to complete before his
guilt or innocence can be determined, but things certainly don't look
good for the former American and world sprinting champion.
[Credit: Mike Chiari CNN News]
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