Gay and Powell fail drug tests

Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell test positive for banned substance

By Nicole Hamer |

13:50 15 July 2013

The athletes Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell have failed drug tests, it has emerged. In total there were six athletes who tested positive for banned substances, according to reports.

Tyson Gay, aged 30, tested positive for a drugs test relating to May.

Asafa Powell, who is also 30 years old, tested positive for a banned stimulant with regards to the Jamaican Championships.

Sherone Simpson also failed a drug test.

In a statement Asafa Powell said: “I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules.”

Adding: “I am not now - nor have I ever been - a cheat.”

Tyson Gay, who is awaiting his B sample results, and who has pulled out of the World Championships which is to take place in Moscow in August, said: “I don't have a sabotage story... I basically put my trust in someone and was let down.”

He said: “I know exactly what went on, but I can't discuss it right now."

He added: “I hope I am able to run again, but I will take whatever punishment I get like a man.”

Following this, the USADA said in a statement: “In response to Mr Gay's statements, Usada appreciates his approach to handling this situation and his choice to voluntarily remove himself from competition while the full facts surrounding his test are evaluated.”

Adding: “The B sample will be processed shortly, and as in all cases all athletes are innocent unless or until proven otherwise through the established legal process, and any attempt to sensationalise or speculate is a disservice to due process, fair play, and to those who love clean sport.”

Sherone Simpson said: “I would never intentionally take an illegal substance of any form into my system.”