Yahoo Sports Report: Christian Coleman, world's fastest 100m sprinter, could face doping ban ahead of Olympics
Christian Coleman, a gold-medal contender who finished ahead of Usain Bolt in 2017, might miss the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to three missed drug tests, according to The Associated Press.
Coleman, 23, reportedly has three “whereabouts failures” over 12 months, which can be treated as a positive test and doping violation per the USADA protocols.
Coleman could face 2-year ban for missed tests
Athletes are required to notify the US. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of their whereabouts — their daily regular schedule, any changes, and any travel plans — so they can be tested away from competitions. Part of the filing is submitting a specific 60-minute spot every day in their schedule when they “must be available and accessible” for testing. Tests can occur any day of the year. Failure to give the information or being absent when a tester appears is a violation.
The agency treats it as a failed test and doping violation. According to USADA protocol, the appointed review board will make a recommendation based on the findings and could decide there is no “sufficient reason” to bring the case forward as a violation.
The USADA lists 11 agency-authorized test sessions for Coleman in 2019. It’s the second-most of any track and field athlete in the system.
Most receive a two-year ban for a first doping violation, per AP, though there are exceptions and Coleman would likely appeal.
Coleman leader in 100m, 200m
Coleman finished second to American Justin Gatlin in the 100m at the 2017 World Championships. He raced in 9.94 seconds, behind Gatlin’s 9.92. They’re both out of the University of Tennessee.
Usain Bolt placed third at 9.95, the beginning notes of an impending takeover by young athletes in the superstar’s place.
Coleman is the reigning national champion in the 100m and holds the fastest time over the past three years. The 2019 worlds are next month in Qatar.
He also qualified for the 200m at worlds, where he was expected to put on a show against Noah Lyles in a featured event.
Lyles, 22, holds the fastest 200m time this year by two-tenths of a second. He is second in the 100m.
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